Budget committee backs RPD acceptance of $580,000 in-kind grant to build 20 Second Street steps

The San Francisco Budget and Finance Committee on Oct. 1 voted 2-0 to forward a resolution recommending that the Recreation and Park Department accept an in-kind grant valued at approximately $580,000 from the Dogpatch and Northwest Potrero Hill Green Benefit District to design and build the 20 Second Street steps between Connecticut and Missouri Streets.

The grant, funded primarily by UCSF with additional contributions from the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and private donors, covers design ($60,000), permit fees ($5,400), construction ($425,500), a green benefit district administrative fee and a 10% contingency. If approved by the full Board, Recreation and Park staff have agreed to maintain the steps once constructed, and the Green Benefit District will transfer the steps and design to the city upon completion.

The project would replace a steep, unpaved dirt trail with a box-step-style staircase on the 26% slope immediately north of the Potrero Hill Rec Center, improving access between Dogpatch, the Potrero Hill Rec Center and the 20th Street Caltrain/Muni hub. RPD staff said most of the steps will be constructed on Department of Public Works–accepted right-of-way adjacent to RPD property and that DPW guidance assigns RPD responsibility for improving and maintaining that stretch.

Community members and neighborhood groups gave the committee several public comments in support. Donovan Lacy, acting executive director of the Dogpatch and Northwest Potrero Hill Green Benefit District, said the current path is “dangerous” and that UCSF and community sponsors have covered design and construction costs. J. R. Eppler, president of the Potrero Boosters Neighborhood Association, told the committee the project reflects more than a decade of neighborhood stewardship and city planning documents that identified the need for a safer pedestrian connection.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey moved to forward the resolution with a positive recommendation; Chair Supervisor Connie Chan seconded by roll call. The committee recorded two ayes with Supervisor Joy Angaridio excused. The motion passed and the item will appear on the Board of Supervisors agenda on Oct. 7 unless otherwise noted.

If the full Board approves the resolution, project schedule materials presented to the committee anticipate permit acquisition and contractor contracting in 2025 and construction continuing into 2026, with substantial and final completion expected in 2026. The Recreation and Park Department and the Dogpatch and Northwest Potrero Hill Green Benefit District will coordinate required permits through DPW.