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Board accepts state grant for Japantown Peace Plaza renovations; $5 million allocation highlighted
Summary
Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing acceptance of state grant funds to support accessibility and rehabilitation projects at the Japantown Peace Plaza, with speakers thanking Assemblymember Phil Ting and city staff for securing the funding.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution on Dec. 6 authorizing the city to accept state grant funds for improvements to the Japantown Peace Plaza at Buchanan Mall.
Supervisor Preston, who led the item, thanked Assemblymember Phil Ting for advocacy and said the allocation includes $5 million that was secured in the prior budget cycle plus an additional $6 million in state funding this fiscal year to help complete renovations that have grown more expensive than initially expected. The funds are intended to improve accessibility for seniors and people with limited mobility, rehabilitate the Ruth Asawa fountains, and support surrounding businesses by enhancing the mall's cultural character.
Why this matters: The Peace Plaza is a central public space for San Francisco's Japantown community; funding supports accessibility improvements and cultural features after pandemic-related stresses on local businesses.
Vote and next steps Supervisor Preston requested the board adopt the resolution and added Supervisor Marr and Supervisor Chan as cosponsors. Following a roll-call vote the resolution was adopted unanimously (11 ayes). The resolution authorizes Public Works and other departments to accept and expend the awarded funds and affirms the required environmental determination for the project.
Implementation The resolution authorizes public-works expenditures for the project term as stated in the file and directs departments to proceed with the work, including accessibility upgrades and fountain rehabilitation. City staff and supervisors thanked Assemblymember Ting for leading the state funding effort to complete the work.
Ending Supervisors praised Japantown community resilience during the pandemic and said the funds will help preserve the mall's cultural and commercial life.
