Judge Blocks Berkeley Sports Center

BERKELEY, Calif. – A judge blocked construction of a $125 million sports center at the University of California, Berkeley, that has been vigorously opposed by neighbors and city officials.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Barbara Miller issued a preliminary injunction Monday that will stop campus officials from moving ahead with the project, said Stephan Volker, an attorney representing one of the groups opposing the project.

Berkeley officials plan to retrofit Memorial Stadium, which straddles an earthquake fault, as well as building a new athletic training center and a parking garage.

Several suits have been filed against the project, including a challenge from the City Council that it’s not safe to build so close to the Hayward fault. Protesters have included some tree-sitters perched in a grove of old oak trees that would be cut down to make way for construction.

Berkeley officials did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment from The Associated Press.

Campus officials have said previously 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.

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