Commission approves up to $88,000 in bond proceeds for Ella Hill Hutch lighting after residents press safety case

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure on Jan. 20 authorized the executive director to enter a grant agreement transferring up to $88,000 in former Western Addition tax-exempt bond proceeds to the City and County of San Francisco’s Department of Real Estate for exterior lighting work at the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center.

Staff said the transfer (ROPS item and related resolution) would fund exterior LED lighting repairs, repair failed circuits and add controls; DRE expects to rely on the Public Utilities Commission for additional work and to complete the broader HVAC and controls scope using other city sources. OCII staff estimated the full scope of needed capital improvements at about $183,000 and noted the bond proceeds are restricted to capital work only.

The proposal drew lengthy public comment from community leaders, program directors and residents who said Ella Hill Hutch hosts preschool and after‑school programs, recovery and counseling groups, Zumba and seasonal events and that poor lighting and an uncontrolled HVAC system limit safe, year‑round use. ‘‘The lighting around Ella Hill is dark. Once the lights go out, it’s black — and for a lot of people, especially seniors and families, very scary,’’ said Valerie Brown, Senior Aide to Supervisor Breed, who spoke in support of directing the bond proceeds to exterior lighting. Cheryl Davis, director of Collective Impact (the center’s lead operator), said the funds are not being given to Collective Impact but transferred between city agencies for capital repairs: "the money is not going to Collective Impact, that the money is going from one city agency to another to get the work done." Dr. Mary Ann Jones of Westside Community Services said the center is ‘‘the pulse of our community’’ and framed lighting and heat as basic safety and health necessities.

Several commenters also urged that these short-term repairs be accompanied by longer-term, community-led planning for Western Addition facilities; other speakers raised concerns about process and local oversight since redevelopment’s dissolution.

Commissioners asked staff to confirm that the grant agreement specifies permissible uses; staff confirmed the agreement is limited to the lighting improvements described and requires DRE to report back to OCII on expenditures and implementation. Commissioner Singh moved approval; Mondejar seconded. On roll call the vote was 3 ayes, 0 no, 1 absent; the item passed.

The grant agreement requires DRE to oversee contracting and to report to OCII; staff said PUC will provide additional funds for HVAC and related items not permissible under the transferred bond proceeds. The estimated completion date for the lighting work is November 2015.

What’s next: DRE will take the grant funds, work with PUC on contracting and report back to OCII on the use of funds and completion schedule.