Commission directs early Transit Center District open-space fees toward Chinatown improvements

The Planning Commission on Oct. 18 approved additional language to the Transit Center District program implementation document that prioritizes early investment of the plan’s initial open-space impact fees toward park improvements in Chinatown.

Planning staff said the implementation document estimates roughly $47 million in open-space fee revenue over buildout of the plan area, with about $12.5 million allocated for off-site open-space improvements outside the plan area; of that $12.5 million staff proposed directing approximately $9 million toward Chinatown. Commissioners debated the Nexus study geography and CEQA constraints before adopting the staff recommendation with a direction to refine language so that timely, high-priority park projects outside Chinatown can also be considered.

Commissioners said Chinatown is among the densest neighborhoods and has parks that are heavily used and in need of early attention; they also sought clarification that prioritization would not categorically preclude funding of urgent projects elsewhere. Planning staff and the city attorney told the commission that the interagency implementation committee (IPIC) and the Board of Supervisors retain flexibility when funds become available.

The motion to approve the implementation document with refined language passed unanimously. Staff will return with proposed final wording to be incorporated into the program implementation document.