Commissioners Approve ODC Expansion Plan and Honor Hubert Lee Donalds

In a recent meeting held by the City of San Francisco, significant discussions centered around community arts and the legacy of a notable figure in public service. The meeting began with a presentation from Garth Grimble, Chief of Staff at ODC, who highlighted the organization’s long-standing presence in the community and its commitment to arts education. ODC, located at Seventeenth and Shotwell, has been a cultural hub for over 45 years, offering a professional dance company and a wide range of classes for students of all ages. Grimble emphasized the importance of a proposed expansion, which aims to enhance the organization’s ability to serve the community by improving campus security and accessibility.

The commissioners then addressed the potential impact of a new project on Inchon Kaesal Park. After deliberation, they unanimously agreed that the project would not significantly adversely affect the park, allowing it to move forward. This decision reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to balance development with the preservation of green spaces.

The meeting concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Hubert Lee Donalds, a pioneering figure in the city’s parks department who recently passed away at the age of 94. Donalds was recognized for his contributions as one of the first known Black gardeners in the department during the 1950s. His dedication to public service and the beautification of San Francisco’s parks left a lasting legacy that continues to benefit the community. The commissioners expressed their condolences to his family and acknowledged the profound impact he had on the city’s landscape and its residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to fostering arts and honoring its history while navigating the complexities of urban development. The discussions and decisions made are expected to have lasting implications for both the cultural and environmental landscape of San Francisco.