Streets and Open Space Improvement Plan (SOSIP)

A "Street & Open Space Improvement Plan" (SOSIP) is being developed to enhance Berkeley's Downtown.  The SOSIP presents schematic designs, design guidelines, and a financing strategy for improvements to make Downtown more pedestrian-friendly, bike-friendly, livable, and attractive.  The SOSIP is funded by a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) with matching funds provided by the City of Berkeley.

The SOSIP Subcommittee completed its work by recommending a draft Plan unanimously on September 30.  Other interested Commissions  will comment on the Subcommittee’s recommendations in October and November 2010.  The Subcommittee’s recommendations and Commission comments will be forwarded to City Council with consideration expected in early 2011.

For more information about the SOSIP contact Matt Taecker, Principal Planner for the Downtown, at mtaecker@ci.berkeley.ca.us or 510-981-7487. 

Final SOSIP Subcommittee Recommendations for Council Consideration:

You may also view the SOSIP Subcommittee recommendations as a single, low-resolution document (15MB)

• Chapter 1: Executive Summary (.pdf)
• Chapter 2: Background (.pdf)
• Chapter 3: Goals (.pdf)
• Chapter 4: Major Projects (.pdf)
• Chapter 5: Pedestrian Environments and Shared Streets (.pdf)
• Chapter 6: Bicycle Network & Facilities (.pdf)
• Chapter 7: Watershed Management and Green Infrastructure (.pdf)
• Chapter 8: Street Trees and Landscaping (.pdf)
• Chapter 9: Furnishings and Other Amenities (.pdf)
• Chapter 10: Public Art (.pdf)
• Chapter 11: Signage and Wayfinding (.pdf)
• Chapter 12: Lighting (.pdf)
• Chapter 13: Operations and Maintenance (.pdf)
• Chapter 14: Financial Strategies (.pdf)
• Chapter 15: Acknowledgements (.pdf) 
• Appendix A: Street Tree Palette (.pdf)
• Appendix B: SOSIP Project Cost and Financing Report (.pdf)

Alternative Design concepts for Downtown Subareas: (see map)

Areawide Design Components:

• Draft Goals (.pdf) 
• Berkeley Bikeway Network Improvement (.pdf) 
• Urban Runoff and Low Impact Development (.pdf) 
• Street Tree Master Plan (.pdf) 

SOSIP Open House (2/6/10):

• Open House Presentation (.pdf) 
• Community Member Comments (.pdf) 

Please refrain from wearing scented products to this meeting.  This meeting is being held in a wheelchair accessible location. To request a disability-related accommodation(s) to participate in the meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please contact the Disability Services specialist at 981-6346(V) or 981-7075 (TDD) at least three business days before the meeting date.  

Downtown Area Plan 

Downtown Parking & Transportation Demand Management Program (PTDM)