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Board approves $2.5 million supplemental for Geneva Car Barn and powerhouse arts space
Summary
Supervisors approved an ordinance to transfer $2.5 million from the General Fund Reserve to Recreation and Park to fund phase 1 of the Geneva Car Barn/Powerhouse, a long-stalled arts and community facility in District 11.
The Board of Supervisors on March 22 approved on first reading an ordinance to appropriate $2,500,000 from the General Fund Reserve to the Recreation and Park Department for facilities improvements at the Geneva Car Barn and Powerhouse in fiscal year 2015-16.
Supervisor John Avalos, who sponsored the supplemental, described the Geneva Office Building/Powerhouse as a decades-old industrial building in District 11 that the district's residents seek to rehabilitate into arts space, performance and practice facilities, and community programming. Avalos said the funding would close a gap in financing for phase 1, the portion of the building intended for performance and practice space, and that additional funding from previous park bonds and other local sources had already been secured.
Supporters, including Supervisor Norman Yee and Supervisor Aaron Peskin, said the project had long community backing and that this supplemental was a way to expedite construction rather than wait for the annual budget process. Opponents in the discussion, including President London Breed and Supervisor Mark Farrell (referenced via his absence), said they preferred the item be considered in the budget process. Supervisor Tang said she supported the project but preferred to fund it through the formal budget deliberations.
The clerk recorded eight ayes and two nos (supervisors Breed and Tang in dissent). The ordinance passed on first reading.
Why it matters: The appropriation advances a community arts project long advocated for by District 11 leaders and local arts organizations; supporters said it will create performance space and boost neighborhood development in a part of the city that has seen limited public investment.
Next steps: The approval on first reading moves the ordinance toward final adoption after required further readings and budget processes. Project sponsors said additional funds remain to complete later phases and that city leaders would continue seeking grants and other sources.
