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Supervisors advance $2.5M supplemental for Geneva Car Barn to full board without recommendation
Summary
The Budget & Finance Committee voted to forward to the full San Francisco Board of Supervisors a supplemental appropriation to close a roughly $2.5 million funding gap for Phase 1 of the Geneva Office Building/Car Barn arts and community facility; the committee forwarded the item without a recommendation.
Supervisor David Avalos urged the committee on Feb. 2016 to move a supplemental appropriation for the Geneva Office Building—also called the Geneva Car Barn—to ensure the project is prioritized ahead of the mayor’s budget. Avalos said the project has been a “multi-decade” effort in District 11 and, if funded, would create a public arts facility that the neighborhood lacks.
Amy Cohen of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development described a phased approach developed with Recreation & Park and community stakeholders, saying the phased plan made the project more feasible. Nicole Averill, project director at Recreation & Park, said the powerhouse (Phase 1) has received design approvals, is at about 50% construction documents and could be ready to bid by September 2016 with a potential December 2016 ground‑breaking if the funding gap—approximately $2.5 million—is closed.
Members of the public, including representatives of the Friends of the Geneva Office Building and other neighborhood groups, urged approval. Commenters highlighted the building’s history, the need for arts programming and the project’s potential to serve multiple adjacent districts.
Committee action: Supervisor Jane Kim moved to forward the item to the full Board without recommendation; Supervisor Yee (Yi) seconded. The clerk recorded a roll-call and the chair declared the motion passed and the item will be scheduled for the full Board agenda.
The record: The Recreation and Park Department provided project drawings and program details showing an interior of roughly 3,000 square feet and high ceilings, with uses envisioned for after‑school arts, performance, classes for seniors and community events. Staff identified potential capital sources including the department’s Community Opportunity Fund and historic tax credits; the appropriation before the committee would close the City funding gap for Phase 1.
Next steps: The committee sent the ordinance and related materials to the full Board of Supervisors for consideration; if the full Board approves the supplemental appropriation the department plans to complete design, submit for permits and put the work out to bid per the schedule discussed.
Sources: Remarks and presentations by Supervisor David Avalos; Amy Cohen, Office of Economic and Workforce Development; Nicole Averill, Recreation & Park (presentations in committee); public comment from community members.
