Will El Cerrito Provide Kensington Police Services?

EL CERRITO, CA — A pair of major local issues — transit-oriented development at the El Cerrito Plaza BART station and a proposal to provide police services in the neighboring community of Kensington — will be the topics of presentations to the El Cerrito City Council on Tuesday.

BART and the city have been discussing development at the Plaza station for some time, along with the possibility of including space for a new city library. The site involves about 6 acres on parking lots north and south of Central Avenue.

"BART currently has 24 (transit-oriented development) projects either completed or underway, and El Cerrito Plaza has been prioritized as the next station to enter the TOD process," a report from city Community Development Director Melanie Mintz states.

Development falls in line with the city's San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan "to further the City's goals to stimulate investment and create vibrancy along the San Pablo Avenue corridor and near the City's two BART stations," the report states.

The specific plan allows increased heights and reduced parking requirements for conforming proposals -- residential buildings up to six stories tall, or eight stories if they include a sufficient number of units designated as affordable.

As part of the presentation, the City Council will consider a resolution authorizing evaluation of including a potential library site in the request for qualifications from prospective developers.

A new library has long topped the list of city needs, but efforts have been stymied by the lack of a suitable location.

The transit-oriented development process will also analyze issues and possible solutions created by developing parking lots now used by commuters.

Kensington Police Services

The issue of contracting out police services has been a contentious issue in the unincorporated community of Kensington, with many residents resistant to losing a standalone police force even as the costs of maintaining one continue to rise.

The town's community services district is requesting proposals to contract for services from nearby departments.

El Cerrito police Chief Paul Keith will present a plan that would make Kensington a beat in the city's patrol system, with personnel — four officers, one detective, and one lieutenant — allowed to perform their duties in uniforms and vehicles marked as Kensington and using the town's
public safety building.

Keith estimates the annual cost at $2.3 million to $2.5 million, including personnel costs, equipment, and department overhead.

A 2009 ordinance passed by Kensington directors requires that any plan to contract out police services be put before voters. Kensington already contracts with El Cerrito for fire protection.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the council chamber at City Hall, 10890 San Pablo Ave. — Bay City News