City plans to convert Jefferson Street in Fisherman’s Wharf to two-way, widen sidewalks
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Summary
City planners and port staff proposed converting five blocks of Jefferson Street from one-way to two-way, narrowing the roadway to widen sidewalks, add pedestrian amenities and a dedicated streetcar transitway; the plan would remove parking meters and could cost about $5 million for the first phase with potential annual meter revenue losses.
City planning and port staff outlined a plan to reconstruct Jefferson Street through the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, converting the five-block commercial spine from one-way to two-way travel and reallocating roadway space to pedestrians and street amenities. Dan Hodap of the Port’s Planning and Development Division described the concept as “bold,” saying the proposal narrows the roadway by about 15 feet and dedicates reclaimed space to wider sidewalks, benches and a stronger pedestrian promenade.
David Alba, manager of the City Design Group in the Planning Department, said the design team has conducted extensive outreach with Fisherman’s Wharf stakeholders since 2008, including workshops and a neighborhood storefront, and has completed concept designs. “If all goes as expected,” Alba said, construction drawings would be ready to bid by July and Phase 1 construction could begin in October and run through May 2013 for the two-block segment from Jones to Hyde.
Port staff presented an initial revenue analysis: removing 87 meter parking spaces across the full five-block scheme would cost an estimated $574,000 a year in meter and fine revenue; for the Phase 1 two-block segment the estimated annual loss is $218,000. Staff said offsetting that loss would require increases in percentage rents in the Fisherman’s Wharf area — about a 5.6% rise to be revenue-neutral including Pier 39, or about 7.5% without Pier 39.
The plan retains a dedicated streetcar travel lane on three of the five blocks, separated by a curb from bicycle and vehicle movement zones to reduce conflicts and slipping hazards where wheels meet rail tracks. Designers said the north (port-facing) sidewalk would be widened and could be used for expanded café seating under encroachment permits and percentage-rent arrangements that could capture some of the increased commercial activity.
Supporters spoke during public comment: Andy Thornley of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition said he brings the coalition’s “enthusiastic support” and argued the change would improve the Bay Trail connection and bicycle experience. Commissioners questioned parking and lease implications; staff replied that expanded café space would typically be governed by existing leases plus encroachment licenses and that percentage-rent formulas would capture business gains.
Next steps include design review with the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and the Port’s Waterfront Design Review Committee, further public meetings and a return to the commission with a final design for consideration.
