The San Francisco County government meeting on July 4, 2025, focused on significant issues regarding property management and community welfare at the Sunnydale and Patrell Terrace Annex public housing developments. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about Eugene Berger Management Corporation's (EBMC) compliance and performance in managing these properties.
Dr. Lettaju from the San Francisco Housing Authority reported that EBMC had failed to meet compliance metrics in January but showed some improvement in February. However, the management company failed all 95 site inspections, raising alarms about the living conditions for residents, including issues like abandoned vehicles and overgrown vegetation. Dr. Lettaju emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for developers to ensure that residents benefit from their presence.
The meeting included presentations from various stakeholders, including EBMC and other developers involved in the management of the sites. Dr. Lettaju outlined the transition to private management mandated by HUD in 2019, detailing the challenges faced during the transition, particularly due to staffing shortages exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, she expressed a commitment to improving the living conditions for residents and maintaining oversight of the management company.
Eugene Berger representatives spoke about their efforts to stabilize housing for residents and improve communication regarding maintenance and lease agreements. They acknowledged the difficulties faced in managing the properties but asserted their dedication to addressing residents' needs.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the Housing Authority to continue monitoring the situation closely and to ensure that the residents of Sunnydale and Patrell have a safe and livable environment. The ongoing redevelopment efforts were also discussed, with assurances that residents would not be displaced during the process.
Overall, the meeting underscored the critical need for effective property management and community engagement to enhance the quality of life for residents in San Francisco's public housing developments.