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Supervisors approve about $529,000 for Mayor’s Office on Disability access projects amid objections
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a roughly $529,000 appropriation for disability access improvements and relocation costs in the Mayor’s Office on Disability for FY 2010–11; Supervisor John Avalos voiced reservations about project priorities and accessibility elsewhere.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved an ordinance appropriating approximately $529,000 in certificate of participation proceeds for disability access improvement projects and relocation costs for the Mayor’s Office on Disability for fiscal year 2010–11.
The measure passed its first reading by roll call vote (10 ayes, 1 no). Supervisor John Avalos cast the sole “no” vote and delivered extended remarks explaining his reservations.
Avalos, who said he had delayed his decision because of his time as budget chair, questioned the allocation of funds for an interior ramp and whether that prioritized symbolic projects over high-demand accessibility fixes across the city. He described conditions at Balboa Park station — where Muni and BART connect — as especially problematic for wheelchair users, citing inaccessible boarding areas and curb conditions. Avalos said he believed upgrades at transit boarding areas had more immediate benefit for people with disabilities than the specific ramp in the municipal building under discussion.
Susan Misner, director of the Mayor’s Office on Disability, joined board members for site assessments and produced an itemized spreadsheet of needed improvements, Avalos said; he thanked her for that work. Other supervisors, including David Chiu, Carmen Chu and John Campos, said the item had undergone exhaustive committee review, noted ADA obligations triggered by new construction or major renovations and said the appropriation addressed a legal requirement and longstanding access needs.
Roll-call tally announced at the meeting: Supervisor Kim — aye; Supervisor Mar — aye; Supervisor Mercarimi — aye; Supervisor Weiner — aye; Supervisor Avalos — no; Supervisor Campos — aye; President Chiu — aye; Supervisor Cohen — aye; Supervisor Ellsburn — aye; Supervisor Farrell — aye. The clerk recorded 10 ayes and one no.
The ordinance was passed in the first reading and will return for further legislative processing as required. Supporters said the appropriation funds legally required work and targeted long-standing accessibility gaps; critics urged prioritizing more visible, transit-oriented access improvements across the city over the specific project funded here.
Ending: The measure advances local ADA-related upgrades while highlighting ongoing debates over how the city prioritizes limited accessibility funding.
