Judge blocks Berkeley sports center |
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Published
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 23:17
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BERKELEY, Calif. (AFX) - Plans to upgrade Cal's Memorial Stadium and build a new, $125 million sports training center stalled Monday with a judge blocking construction following opposition by neighbors and city officials.The project at the University of California, Berkeley, has been the subject of several lawsuits, including claims that it's not safe to build so close to the Hayward fault, which runs beneath the stadium.In issuing a preliminary injunction, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Barbara Miller said opponents' environmental and seismic-related challenges were strong enough to justify a preliminary injunction until a trial can be held.Another point of contention is a grove of oak trees that would be cut down to make way for construction. That prompted a nearly two-month tree-sit by protesters who have braved December rains, a cold snap and even a few earthquakes to register their opposition.Campus officials say they have made a complete seismic evaluation of the project and the new facility will mean staff can move into a safe building. They have promised to plant three new trees for every one removed.Campus spokeswoman Marie Felde said Monday that officials are considering filing an appeal to the injunction, but even if the issue goes to trial, they expect to win and are moving forward with the planning process.'This is not the end of the project by any means,' she said. 'The judge is concerned about many issues, but we believe our concern for improving the safety of student athletes should outweigh concerns about trees and other issues.'Stephan Volker, an attorney representing the California Oak Foundation, praised the ruling.'We are elated that the court has ordered the university to pull back the chain saws and bulldozers while the court examines the merit of our lawsuit,' he said.Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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