Home > Environmental Law Home > Lawsuits > Advocates Win Case for Affordable Housing in Berkeley

Sierra Club Lawsuits

Advocates Win Case for Affordable Housing in Berkeley

Case Updates:

October 6, 2004

In an unusual partnership, Sierra Club filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of Affordable Housing Associates to support plans to build an affordable housing development in Berkeley. The project, located close to the local subway station and several bus routes, is a good example of the type of smart planning that is needed in urban areas. However, in their fight against the construction, the plaintiffs argued that the building violated the California Environmental Quality Act because it was not visually attractive. The California Court of Appeals sided with Club and the ruling ensures that the 40 units of housing for low-income seniors will move forward.

Details and Documents:

Sierra Club, developer unite for court victory.
September 22, 2004, by Kelly St. John, San Francisco Chronicle

California Court of Appeals Ruling (175k PDF)
September 20th, 2004