BERKELEY — An overnight move by UC Berkeley to wall off historic People’s Park in preparation for a long-term construction project was met with a heated swarm of protesters early Thursday morning, beginning another chapter in a saga of litigation.
In a news release issued before dawn Thursday, the university detailed plans to effectively wall off the perimeter of the park using double-stacked shipping containers over the next several days. The plan is the latest maneuver in an effort to construct a student-housing complex at the site.
Streets surrounding the park will also be closed until that barrier is constructed.
“We wish we didn’t have to do this,” UC Berkeley spokesperson Dan Mogulof said early Thursday morning. “Unfortunately because of the willingness and readiness of the opposition to engage in violent, unlawful behavior, we have to take these kind of steps.”
Mogulof claimed that the “violent, unlawful” behavior was in relation to prior face-offs between protestors and police at People’s Park, which he said has resulted in “over $1 million in vandalism” and injured officers.
Hundreds of police @UCBerkeley’s People’s Park as trees are cut to make way for a perimeter to be installed. Kitchen razed and a few people arresred. UC says it’s a safety issue. #peoplespark #berkeley @EastBayTimes pic.twitter.com/Y76kLIttuF
— Tyska (@Tyska) January 4, 2024
Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, activists occupied the park after they were tipped off to the university’s plans. Protestors sat atop the single-story building in the middle of the park, known as the “kitchen” and chanted at police and officials.
Bay Area News Group staff photographer Jane Tyska contributed to this developing report. Check back for updates.
