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Board adopts amended resolution urging Rec & Park and Environment to develop comprehensive parks recycling plan after contentious debate
Summary
The Board of Supervisors adopted an amended resolution asking the Recreation and Park Department and the Department of the Environment to develop a comprehensive parks recycling program and to negotiate in good faith regarding the Hank recycling center’s lease following concerns about the process used to displace the facility.
The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted an amended resolution requesting the Recreation and Park Department and the Department of the Environment to collaborate on establishing a comprehensive parks recycling program, following debate over the city’s handling of the Hank recycling center.
Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi (recorded in the transcript as supervisor McRae for the motion) introduced the resolution after hearings that raised questions about the process and whether alternative locations and mitigation had been adequately explored. Speakers at the supervisors’ hearing said Hank processed roughly 1,600 tons of recyclables per year and that the city had filed an unlawful detainer against the facility.
The board considered an amendment that replaced language directing the mayor to have Rec & Park “rescind the termination” of Hank’s lease with wording that directs Rec & Park to “negotiate in good faith the determination of Hank’s lease.” Supervisor David Campos and others urged caution about an unlawful detainer filed by the city, while backers of the amendment said negotiations and due diligence with Hank had been insufficient.
Supervisor Campos said he regretted the unlawful detainer action and urged the mayor’s office to reconsider how the issue had been handled; Supervisor John Avalos moved the amendment and several supervisors said the Rec & Park Commission has held hearings but had not covered the full scope of alternatives. Opponents of the amendment cautioned against implying Rec & Park had not acted in good faith.
The amendment passed 6–5. The final resolution as amended also passed by a 6–5 vote. The adopted language directs Rec & Park and the Department of the Environment to collaborate on a comprehensive parks recycling plan and asks that Rec & Park negotiate with Hank in good faith about lease determinations and displacement options.
The debate included references to city master-plan provisions, examples of potential alternative uses on park property and concerns that replacing a large-volume recycling center with small-scale vending or drop-off approaches would not provide comparable capacity. Supporters of Hank asked that the city pursue alternatives that would preserve an industrial-scale recycling option and seek locations that can handle the facility’s volume.
