By unanimous approval the following resolution was adopted last night by the West Berkeley Improvement Club in regard to the proposed harbor: "WHEREAS, the City of Berkeley has certain natural advantages for an inner harbor and as there is great and immediate need for the improvement of its waterfront; and "WHEREAS, the commercial opportunities are as great right here in Berkeley as anywhere else in California or the United States, and as a waterfront where rail and water meet is and will be conducive to bringing large manufacturing plants, a welcome population and a big pay-roll to our city; and, "WHEREAS, such things also mean greater prosperity to the whole city, including every business man within the city limits; therefore be it "RESOLVED, by the West Berkeley Improvement Club, in meeting assembled, this 3rd day of December, that we heartily endorse the plans for the proposed inner harbor for Berkeley as outlined by Charles Green, who prepared the plans at the request of the Club; and be it further "RESOLVED, that inasmuch as Richmond, with a population of only about 13,000, bonded itself for $1,900,000 for harbor improvement, the City of Berkeley, with about 50,000 inhabitants, can surely afford to spend $750,000 for the development of its harbor for the following reasons; "BENEFITS TO CITY - It means more factories, and consequently a larger population. It means a great big payroll. Little Richmond's is $500,000 per month. It means more business for our home merchants. We will begin to rank as a seaport city. Richmond has an investment of $40,000,000. Ours could be twice as much. The proposed work offers no engineering difficulties. It is simple, as it consists mainly in dredging soft material. Every cubic yard dredged would serve two purposes. We would build and extend the harbor and at the same time build up, for the City, the submerged lands. The city would and should own its own harbor, which would be profitable. We would be able to bid for some of the world's commerce, as the harbor could be finished by 1915. The value of the reclaimed land would partially or wholly reimburse the city for its expenditures. Like Richmond, it will receive the government recommendation. By extending Berryman St. westward to meet Gilman, the city would then have a main northern thoroughfare direct to the harbor and waterfront. It would increase the assessed valuation of Berkeley by over five millions within five years from the date of its completion. It means deep water wharves, piers or quays so located and constructed that ships can cheaply and quickly load or unload freight or passengers an can temporarily store freight until it can be started on its final passage. The opening of the Panama Canal will have a great effect upon the readjustment of the world's trade, and Berkeley's proposed harbor would receive a great share of such business. Berkeley's position, with reference to the Golden Gate, is more favorable for harbor developments than any other city on the eastern side of the bay. Berkeley on the west is developing primarily as a manufacturing or industrial community; that it is a point of a rich and productive tributary territory; that it is already provided with good railroad facilities, and it is favorably located along the shore of San Francisco Bay, but that it has no public waterfront accommodations. Because it will in general mean one of the greatest, grandest and most beneficial things which has ever happened in our city. It will make for a great big united city, with optimism and hope springing in the minds and hearts of our citizens. It will be something to be proud of and thankful for. It will prove to the world that the citizens of Berkeley are wide awake and ever watchful of their opportunities for the best advancement of the city. In a word it means SUCCESS." previous photo - - - - - - - - - - - - next photo |