Housing authority approves Bell Properties contract, extends EBMC for 60-day handover

The Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco on Jan. 31 approved a contract with Bell Properties to manage Sunnydale, Velasco, Potrero Annex and Potrero Terrace housing developments and separately authorized a two-month extension of the incumbent manager’s contract to allow a handover.

The action came during the authority’s board meeting where commissioners voted unanimously to approve both items. The Bell Properties agreement was described by staff as an initial two-year term with up to three one-year options, and the authority authorized a separate amendment to extend Eugene Berger Management Corporation’s contract for 60 days through March 31, 2025, to support a smooth transition.

Why it matters: The decisions affect on-site management and resident services at four large San Francisco public-housing sites. Staff said the measures are intended to avoid service disruptions during the switch in providers and to preserve continuity of phone numbers, offices and on-site personnel where possible.

Kendra Crawford, Housing Operations Director, told the board the contract with Bell Properties will have an anticipated term beginning Feb. 3, 2025, and ending Jan. 31, 2027, for the initial two-year period and that the contract amount will not exceed $2,100,000. Crawford said the procurement was posted Oct. 22, 2024, on the Housing Agency Marketplace e-procurement site, which notified 1,670 vendors; one firm, Bell Properties, submitted a proposal and was evaluated by a three-member panel.

Linda Mason, general counsel, told commissioners that services would continue without pause because the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development contracts remain in effect during the transition and that residents had been notified this week. Mason said the authority negotiated an additional 60 days with Eugene Berger Management Corporation (EBMC) to help ensure “a smooth transition,” and that EBMC will be paid for vacant units during the extension period. Mason also said an indemnification clause will be removed for the additional 60 days for EBMC, while Bell Properties’ contract includes indemnification for the authority beginning Feb. 3.

James Davis, chief operating officer of Bell Properties, addressed the board and said his firm was grateful for the opportunity to serve the Sunnydale and Potrero communities. Teresa Peddler, representing Eugene Berger Management Corporation and attending online, said EBMC appreciates the opportunity to continue service through the extension and is committed to supporting a smooth handoff.

Public comment included tenant complaints and requests for information tied to housing and the broader Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. Howard Hill, a resident who identified his address as 25 Sanchez Street, said his building had been without heat for eight days; staff said they would follow up with the property manager. A frequent commenter who identified himself as Ace (also referred to as Ace Debit) asked for written updates about RAD activity and transitions affecting Sunnydale and Potrero and said he would continue to monitor the sites. Margaret McNulty, a resident-council advisor, requested time at a future meeting to present a revised tenant proposal.

Votes at a glance: For the Bell Properties management contract (item 5a), the roll-call votes were Mary Anne Pikes — Yes; Lewana Kim — Yes; Lee Raylindo — Yes; Joaquin Torres — Aye. For the EBMC extension (item 5b), the roll-call votes were Mary Anne Pikes — Aye; Lewana Kim — Aye; Lee Raylindo — Aye; Joaquin Torres — Aye.

The board closed regular business and moved to commissioner reports and adjournment.