UCSF commits to 30 permanent parking spaces amid Mission Bay construction concerns

Parking concerns took center stage during the recent San Francisco government meeting, as officials grappled with the implications of a new UCSF research building on local parking availability. The discussion highlighted the complexities of calculating parking costs and the potential impact on staff and patients.

Supervisor Yee raised critical questions about the estimated costs associated with building parking spaces, suggesting that the current budget of $10 million for 130 slots may not be sufficient if the project were to be considered a standalone endeavor. He emphasized the need for a more realistic assessment of costs, particularly if fewer spaces are built than initially planned.

Barbara Garcia, the Director of Health, responded by noting that the parking plan includes revenue from staff parking, which could help offset costs. She explained that the current plan aims to expand into adjacent unbuilt areas, but building only a limited number of spaces would not yield proportional savings due to construction costs.

The conversation also touched on the future of parking as UCSF relocates staff from older buildings to the new facility. Garcia confirmed that while the plan is to maintain current staffing levels, the potential for increased personnel in the future remains a concern. The use of vacated spaces is still under evaluation, with possibilities ranging from administrative use to housing.

In a significant commitment, UCSF's Barbara French assured the board that the university would permanently remove 30 parking spaces from the garage to alleviate long-term parking issues. This pledge was met with relief from supervisors, who expressed concerns about the parking challenges faced by staff and patients alike.

As the meeting concluded, officials agreed to reconvene in 30 days to discuss progress on a long-term parking solution, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues promptly to support both the research center and the surrounding community. The ongoing dialogue reflects a commitment to balancing the needs of public health and infrastructure development in San Francisco.