Treasure Island project gains support amid sea level rise concerns

Concerns over sea level rise and development plans took center stage at the recent San Francisco government meeting, as community leaders voiced strong opinions on the future of Treasure Island. A speaker highlighted the alarming potential for a 9.5-foot surge combined with a possible 9-foot sea rise, warning that placing 8,000 homes in such a vulnerable area is "hubris." This sentiment underscores the growing anxiety about climate change impacts on urban planning.

Karen Knowles Pierce, chair of the Treasure Island Yerba Buena Island Citizens Advisory Board, countered these concerns by urging support for the passage of Infrastructure Financing District (IFD) and Community Facilities District (CFD) bonds. She emphasized that these financial measures are crucial for advancing the long-awaited development project, which promises affordable housing and sustainable solutions to combat sea level rise.

Pierce, who has been involved with the project since 2001, expressed pride in the community's efforts to bring the project to fruition. She noted that the project has received unanimous support from the advisory board and the Board of Supervisors, marking a significant milestone in the development process.

As the city grapples with the challenges of climate change, the discussions at this meeting reflect a critical balancing act between ambitious development goals and the pressing need for environmental safety. The outcome of the bond votes will determine the next steps for Treasure Island, a project that aims to blend community needs with sustainable practices in the face of rising waters.