Eminent Domain at Albany Beach

Eminent Domain at the Albany Beach

The East Bay Regional Park District is holding a public hearing 2 p.m. Tues., April 5, to acquire, by eminent domain, almost eight acres from Golden Gate Fields, for the extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail and for developing the Beach.

The EBRPD is stating it will pay $1.68 million for the property.

Golden Gate Fields apparently has not responded in the latest round of negotiations. It has wanted the University of California to consider its site as a second campus for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

The reasoning behind EBRPD’s urgent eminent domain action is not clear, given that the scenarios for beach development are not even close to being finalized.

The 4.88 acres being sought would connect 1.5 miles of shoreline trail from Buchanan Street in Albany to Gilman Street in Berkeley.

The other 2.8 acres being sought is the area east of the beach.”The Albany Beach enhancement will expand dunes and wetlands, stablize eroding shoreline and improve public access to San Francisco Bay. The proposed acquisitions will provide safe and unimpeded access for Bay Trail users and provide additional recreational
opportunities and wildlife viewing for park visitors.”

Exact boundaries and information is contained in the EBRPD’s Information Packet starting on page 32.

All interested stakeholders are urged to speak at this hearing. Eminent domain is being used for a development goal that includes unspecified beach improvements and questionable dune restoration, among others.

Please stay tuned for more updates.

Speak Your Mind