Warriors introduce Mission Bay plans to commission; community asks for local benefits

The Golden State Warriors introduced themselves to the City commission on May 6, 2014, and said they propose to acquire Salesforce development entitlements in Mission Bay. Rick Welch, identified to the commission as the team’s president and chief operating officer, said the organization intends to follow the city’s local hiring and labor agreements and to engage directly with the Mission Bay neighborhood on design and community benefits.

“We are 100% committed in working not only with you, but with the Mission Bay neighborhood…to make sure that we introduce ourselves, to make sure that we create a project that will be great, and that we’re going to be very good neighbors,” Welch told the commission.

The commission and staff provided a short informational memorandum about the Mission Bay framework and said copies would be posted online. Commissioners welcomed the Warriors’ presentation and noted strong public interest in the project’s community impacts. Staff reminded the panel that Mission Bay development is governed by an existing redevelopment plan and owner participation agreements that describe design review, workforce hiring policies and other obligations that can travel with the land when entitlements are transferred.

Public commenters urged the team and the agency to ensure tangible community benefits. Corinne Woods, chair of the Mission Bay Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), said the CAC will participate in design and transportation planning and welcomed the in‑lieu payments described by staff for other projects. Oscar James and Chester Williams, speaking from Bayview–Hunters Point and related community groups, asked the commission and the Warriors to prioritize school access programs, scholarships, local hiring and training so neighborhood residents can meaningfully share in job and cultural opportunities.

Ace Washington warned the commission it must address outstanding obligations to the Western Addition / Fillmore and said he was preparing legal action unless the agency responds to those community concerns. “I’m preparing to file…an injunction to stop everything until you take care of your first business at hand, the unfinished agenda,” Washington said during public comment.

The introduction generated no formal action by the commission; staff said the Warriors’ materials would be posted and that the team and community advisory groups will take part in future design and transportation discussions.