Berkeley and BART finalize land exchange to advance Ashby BART housing project

Berkeley has agreed to exchange air rights for land with BART, allowing development of housing near the Ashby BART station. The city will give up rights to a 4.4-acre parcel in return for a 1.9-acre site. The plan includes building hundreds of homes, with half of the first 602 units on the West Lot designated as affordable. Berkeley will invest $26.5 million from its affordable housing fund into the projects. The agreement also aims to support the local community, including a permanent home for the Berkeley Flea Market and affordable space for nonprofits and minority-owned businesses. Development is expected to start by 2026.