OCII approves waiver letting former employee Thor Kaslowski work with Lendlease and artist trust

The Commission on Nov. 7 voted to grant a waiver allowing former OCII project manager Thor Kaslowski to work with private and nonprofit partners on projects related to Hunters Point Shipyard and Candlestick Point.

General Counsel Jim Morales reviewed OCII’s long‑standing post‑employment prohibition — adopted by the Redevelopment Agency Commission in 1982 — which bars former employees and commissioners from working on matters they handled while at the agency unless the agency consents by waiver. Morales said the policy exists to prevent conflicts, disclosure of information, and unfair advantage, and explained that the ethics commission at times reviews similar requests. Staff reported it did not find a basis to disapprove the specific waiver request and turned the item over to the applicant for comment.

Thor Kaslowski introduced himself as a principal at Common Ground Urban Development and described two proposed roles: community consultant to Lendlease (assisting with contract compliance, community outreach and construction management under the Phase 2 DDA) and advisory work as a STAR board member to support the artist community at the Shipyard. Kaslowski said he did not believe his involvement “is not likely to create a potential for undue influence, or unfair advantage” and pledged to recuse himself or seek OCII guidance on any matters he believed to be prohibited.

Public commenters — including Ace Washington and veterans allies — offered personal endorsements of Kaslowski’s character and work in the Bayview Hunters Point community. Commissioners who had worked with Kaslowski said they had no objection and described the waiver as narrow and consistent with policy.

Commissioner Bustos moved to grant the waiver; Commissioner Rosales seconded. Roll call vote was 4 ayes; motion carried.