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Supervisors endorse Pier 45 term sheet after hours of public testimony and added protections for fishermen
Summary
The committee endorsed a nonbinding Pier 45 redevelopment term sheet from the Port Commission but added explicit direction to safeguard commercial fishing storage and work corridors after dozens of fishermen and industry speakers warned the plan could displace the fleet; supervisors amended the resolution to require port engagement with fishers during transaction document negotiations.
The Board of Supervisors Budget & Finance Committee on Dec. 4 endorsed a Port of San Francisco term sheet for a $548 million redevelopment of Pier 45 and adjacent Seawall Lots, but only after the chair successfully pressed the Port and developer to accept amendments asking the Port to elevate protections and stakeholder input for the commercial fishing industry.
Port staff said the conceptual plan would renovate Shed A, reconstruct the former Shed C area, add resilience infrastructure and create a Fisherman’s Wharf experience that includes a seafood market, food hall and cultural programming. The Port estimates the project would generate a net fiscal benefit to the general fund of about $1.3 million per year after public financing and shown a funding gap of roughly $15–34M that still needs to be closed.
The hearing featured intense public comment. Commercial fishermen, processors and the Crab Boat Owners Association warned that construction phasing, lane closures and reduced storage could disrupt the crab fleet and seafood processing operations; one speaker said last year California’s crab season brought in $47.9 million and that the corridor between Shed C and processors is "a crucial staging area" for semi trucks and trap logistics. Labor groups and tourism/business advocates supported the redevelopment, citing union jobs, public space upgrades and seawall resilience.
In response to sustained concerns, Chair Chan read an amendment committing the Board to require the Port to consult and seek concrete solutions with fishermen, charter boat operators, buyers and processors during negotiation of the lease, disposition and development agreement (LDDA). The committee approved the amended resolution by roll call and will forward it to the full Board with a positive recommendation.
What’s next: The term sheet is nonbinding; the Port and developer will move into environmental review and transaction document negotiations over the coming 12+ months. The Board asked the Port to return with clearer plans for phasing, temporary staging protections and final sources of public financing before approving binding leases and tax‑infrastructure districts.
