March 2025 Quintersection Update

Drivers cannot see from one end of the intersection to the other and cars frequently speed and run stop signs. This is particularly dangerous for the many walkers, runners, and cyclists who frequent the neighborhood. Research conducted by Bloomberg Philanthropies shows that street murals can meaningfully reduce accidents and improve street safety for pedestrians and cyclists. They can also be an effective way to build community and beautify the neighborhood. 

We recognize that the City of Berkeley does not have a formal street mural program, so our application will include an offer to document our processes and outcomes so that our project can be used as a “pilot” to inform future City efforts. 

Background

Over the years, several groups of neighbors have approached the City of Berkeley about traffic calming measures in the neighborhood. Each time, the City has conducted a traffic study and concluded that the area does not meet the criteria for implementing traffic calming measures. Most recently, a Request for Traffic Calming Study was submitted in December 2019, covering Uplands from just above Claremont to El Camino, and the Traffic Calming Study (delayed due to the pandemic) was completed in July 2022.  

Community Engagement

In August 2022, Gwendy Donaker and Carolyn Sherwood Call convened a neighborhood meeting to discuss the Traffic Calming study and explore options for addressing the traffic safety issues in the neighborhood. The meeting was publicized through neighborhood email lists and flyers distributed door to door. About 20 households attended. One outcome of that meeting was an interest in painting a street mural at the intersection at Uplands, Hillcrest, and Roanoke. 

The effort gained momentum In the fall of 2023, when a group of neighbors (see list below) convened to explore options for a neighbor-driven effort to address the issue. We developed a process and this website, including design criteria based on Oakland’s Paint the Town program. 

In Spring 2024 we launched a design contest, reaching out via neighborhood email lists, flyers posted on telephone poles, and door-to-door distribution of flyers. We received 17 design submissions (including one from a 6-year-old!) and evaluated them using the established criteria. Our resident artist Erica Meade refined the viable design ideas into four designs which were presented to neighbors for a vote. Voting was open for almost a month and 109 neighbors participated in the vote. 

Design

This poppy design was the contest winner, receiving over 70 of the 109 votes:  

Plan moving forward

Based on various communications that the Quintersection Team has had with neighbors and others, we plan to submit a Mural Application to the City of Berkeley Civic Arts Commission. We are currently in the process of researching and testing paints, working through a few other details, and soliciting formal letters of support before submitting the application to the City. 

We hope that this effort can serve as a “pilot” for other neighborhood groups to do street mural projects that address traffic and safety concerns while building community. 

When we have the necessary approvals we will solicit volunteers and financial contributions from near neighbors and those who’ve signed up for our email list. Based on the enthusiastic response we’ve received so far, we are confident that there will be enough people power and money to successfully paint the mural. 

Street Mural Team

Alexander Davis (Roanoke)

Gwendolyn Donaker (Uplands)

Erica Meade (Roanoke)

Page Nelson (Uplands)

Sheila Schwartzburg (Uplands)

Carolyn Sherwood Call (Uplands)