UPDATE: We’re excited that Measure N1 passed in the November 2016 election!
This measure removes outdated parking requirements to make the city more affordable, reduce air pollution, and support walking, biking, and transit.
High parking requirements for new development are bad for our environment, our economy, and our quality of life. By dedicating space for cars rather than people, they increase the cost of new homes, exacerbating the Bay Area’s housing affordability crisis, and push development to the edges of the region onto our natural and agricultural lands. They also encourage more driving rather than fostering walkable, transit-friendly communities.
This is particularly the case in the city of Albany, where a local ballot measure passed in 1978 requires two off-street parking spaces for every new home built—including townhomes, condos, and apartments. These onerous requirements greatly increase the price of housing, while eliminating space that could be used for new homes and shops. This hinders Albany’s ability to provide homes for seniors and families who can no longer afford to live in Albany and stifles revitalization of Albany’s commercial areas.
Measure N1 allows the city to amend the 1978 measure and set reasonable parking requirements to foster a more livable and walkable city.
Greenbelt Alliance urges voters in Albany to vote YES on Measure N1.
