Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Redevelopment Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Bayview redevelopment funds for Aurelius Walker stairway and Bayview Opera House plaza
Summary
The Board of Supervisors authorized Redevelopment Agency use of tax‑increment funds for two Bayview Hunters Point public improvements: $61,500 for administration and closeout of the Aurelius Walker Drive stairway renovation and $1.185 million for seismic/access upgrades at the Bayview Opera House and plaza improvements.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved redevelopment findings allowing use of Bayview Hunters Point tax‑increment funds to renovate two public facilities in the Bayview Town Center.
The board unanimously adopted a resolution to authorize the Redevelopment Agency to spend $61,500 of Bayview tax‑increment for contract administration, bid management and closure costs associated with renovation of the Aurelius Walker Drive stairway. Redevelopment staff said the 150‑foot stairway serves the Westbrook housing development and improves pedestrian access to transit. Agency staff told the board the stairway had tripping hazards, erosion and overgrowth, and said grant funds already secured covered the main construction cost while the requested increment dollars would cover the remainder of project delivery costs.
Separately the board approved findings authorizing $1,185,000 in tax‑increment funds for improvements to the historic Bayview Opera House and adjacent plaza. The item commits $400,000 to the Arts Commission for seismic upgrades and accessibility work and $785,000 to MTA as a local match for federal funds for plaza renovations. Redevelopment staff said the Opera House is on the National Register of Historic Places and a cultural anchor for the neighborhood; Arts Commission and community representatives described ongoing arts programming and support for the investment.
Both actions were taken after public hearings in which redevelopment staff presented consistency with the Bayview implementation plan, the lack of alternative funding in the city budget and the projects' role in eliminating blight and improving access. A few community speakers supported the Opera House funding and pressed the city to ensure comparable upkeep of other community centers; Redevelopment and Arts Commission staff noted the Opera House work addressed long‑deferred facility needs.
Votes at a glance: the Aurelius Walker Drive stairway funding was adopted by the board (11 ayes); the Bayview Opera House and plaza funding was adopted (11 ayes).
Next steps: Redevelopment staff, in coordination with DPW, MTA and the Arts Commission, will proceed with contract administration and construction bid management for the stairway, and with seismic and accessibility work and plaza match arrangements for the Opera House project.
