Board approves housing loans, transit contract changes and budget plan; several items passed unanimously

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on April 27 approved a package of financing, contracting and planning items that included a $14.5 million loan for an affordable senior housing project, a $12.8 million modification to a transit software contract, and adoption of the city's five-year financial plan.

The actions, taken largely by unanimous roll call votes, advance housing and transit projects and preserve the city's budget planning framework for fiscal years 2021'22 through 2025'26.

Among the approvals, the board authorized the mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development to execute loan documents not to exceed approximately $14,500,000 for acquisition and predevelopment of a 98-unit, 100% affordable senior rental project at 4200 Geary Boulevard (item 23). The board also approved an amendment increasing by about $12,800,000 a design review and software implementation contract for the advanced train control system (ATCS) for the Central Subway project and extended substantial completion by 670 days (item 22). The board adopted the city's five-year financial plan (item 24).

Other items acted on included resolutions to declare the city's intent to reimburse certain expenditures from future indebtedness related to several affordable housing projects, acceptance of CARES Act Community Development Block Grant funding and an in-kind software donation, and various committee and appointment matters. A housing-code ordinance to prohibit removal of community kitchens in group housing was passed on first reading (item 31).

A final map approving residential condominium lots at 2150'2166 Hayes Street (item 34) passed with eight ayes and three no votes; Supervisors Peskin, Preston and Chan voted no.

Votes at a glance - Item 17'19: Resolutions declaring intent to reimburse expenditures and to permit issuance of residential mortgage revenue bonds for multiple projects; adopted unanimously (11 ayes). - Item 20: Approval to accept $9.6 million in CARES Act CDBG-CV3 funding (adopted unanimously). - Item 21: Acceptance of $1.2 million in in-kind software from All Home and Bay Area Community Services (adopted unanimously). - Item 22: Third contract modification for Central Subway ATCS with Thales Transport & Security Inc.; increase ~ $12,800,000 and 670-day extension (adopted unanimously). - Item 23: Loan authorization up to ~$14,500,000 for acquisition/predevelopment of a 98-unit senior affordable housing project at 4200 Geary Blvd (adopted unanimously). - Item 24: Adoption of the city's five-year financial plan FY2021'22 through FY2025'26 (adopted unanimously). - Item 31: Ordinance amending housing code to prohibit removal of community kitchens in group housing (passed first reading unanimously). - Item 34: Final map 10674 for Hayes Street condominium project (passed 8-3; Peskin, Preston, Chan opposed). - Item 38: Resolution supporting AB 666 (substance use disorder workforce assessment) (adopted unanimously). - Items 35,36,37,39,40,41: Resolutions and appointments on consent (adopted unanimously).

Why it matters The approvals move forward multiple capital and housing projects that use a mix of city financing, state mechanisms and federal relief funds. The ATCS contract amendment and timeline changes affect the Central Subway project schedule and budget. Adoption of the five-year financial plan frames city budget priorities for the direction of recovery and capital investments.

Implementation details and next steps Departments identified as implementing these approvals include the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development, the Municipal Transportation Agency/SFMTA, Public Works and the Controller's Office. Several items noted that further permitting, design or bond issuance steps remain.

Speakers quoted in the meeting - Supervisor Aaron Peskin (Board member; San Francisco Board of Supervisors) - Supervisor Dean Preston (Board member; San Francisco Board of Supervisors) - Supervisor Shamann Walton (President; San Francisco Board of Supervisors)

Ending Most items were adopted unanimously by roll call. The final map for the Hayes Street condominium project drew the only recorded dissenting votes during the afternoon session; other contested items, including a proposed settlement with refuse haulers, were continued for closed session consideration next week.