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Board adopts resolutions of necessity for Central Subway property interests after public hearings
Summary
Following public hearings that included property‑owner comment and SFMTA presentations, the Board of Supervisors adopted resolutions of necessity authorizing acquisition by eminent domain of two fee parcels and three permanent subsurface easements needed for the Central Subway Third Street light‑rail extension.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors, sitting as a committee of the whole, held public hearings and then adopted resolutions of necessity authorizing the acquisition of property interests needed to construct and operate the Central Subway Third Street light‑rail extension.
What the hearings covered: The SFMTA presented the project need, its federal approvals and the specific parcels and subsurface easements sought for construction and operations of the subway extension. SFMTA said the project had received a Record of Decision from the FTA and a notice to proceed on initial utility relocation contracts. SFMTA staff described two off‑street site acquisitions planned for station access — one near Moscone Center (266–286 Fourth Street) and one for the Chinatown station (933–949 Stockton Street) — and three deeper subsurface easements under Market, Fourth, and Stockton Streets needed for the tunnel alignment.
Public comment and property owners - SFMTA staff (John Fungi and Kirsten McGarry) described the parcels, the need for off‑street station access points, the easement depths (30–60 feet), and ongoing negotiations with property owners. - Property owners’ counsel told the board negotiations were in progress and urged the board to allow negotiations to continue before invoking eminent domain; the owner representative said they had submitted comments on purchase documents and expected continued good‑faith bargaining. - There were a small number of public comments in support of the project.
The vote: After the hearings, the board adopted the resolutions of necessity for the five property interests (two fee parcels and three subsurface easements). The clerk recorded roll‑call votes; the resolutions were adopted by the required supermajorities on the record.
Why it matters: The property actions were the last major step the board needed to take to clear certain right‑of‑way and site control issues for the Central Subway design and construction. SFMTA told the board that successful acquisition and schedule adherence were important to secure federal full‑funding grant agreement timing and keep construction schedules on track.
Quote: - "The project should add over $350,000,000 each year to the city's economy," Michael Cohen said in broader redevelopment remarks about related waterfront projects; SFMTA staff told the board that federal approvals and a funding road map were in process for the Central Subway.
Procedural notes: SFMTA said negotiations continued with property owners and asked the board to adopt the eminent‑domain resolutions while negotiations proceed. Property‑owner counsel said they were engaged in discussions and urged continued negotiation.
Next steps: With board adoption, SFMTA may proceed with necessary acquisition steps for design and construction; staff told supervisors acquisitions are part of a multi‑agency schedule related to the project’s federal funding timeline.
