Tuesday, February 19, 2008

2/14 Small Group Discussion on Paper Topics

Our group was particularly interested in two potential topics: reducing crime and TDR’s.

The goal of the first topic would be to focus players on issues of crime (using economic data which shows declining crime rates and a corresponding increase in economic development). It is important that we seperate issues of homelessness and actual criminal acts. We would research the ordinances other communities have in place which have been upheld as Constitutional limits on loitering and panhandling, and then redraft the Berkeley statute so it wouldn’t be found to be void for vagueness. Also, we would like to examine community service models and programs to better connect those in need with resources to assist them.

In relation to TDR’s, our primary focus was on comparing the successful use of such programs in other cities and drawing corollaries to downtown Berkeley.

Group members: Alison, Matt, Jesse and Erin

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