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San Francisco supervisors probe slow sidewalk repairs after residents report falls and confusion about complaint process
Summary
The Board of Supervisors' Land Use & Transportation Committee heard department briefings and public testimony on hazardous sidewalks, timelines for repairs, and roles of property owners and city agencies. Planning and public-works staff described current response times and programs; the committee continued the item for follow-up.
Chair Myrna Melgar convened a Dec. 13 hearing on the condition of San Francisco sidewalks, saying residents — especially seniors and people with disabilities — report hazardous walkways and a complaint process that feels opaque.
Jennifer Walsh, facilitator of the SF Sidewalk Search Party and a program director at Community Living Campaign, told the committee her group surveyed 165 city residents (89% seniors or people with disabilities) and found 55% frequently encounter unsafe sidewalks and 78% judged sidewalks poorly maintained. “I use a wheelchair, and I have personally tipped over into the streets two different times due to construction and empty tree wells,” Walsh said, citing repeated falls and construction-related hazards.
Michael Lennon, manager with San Francisco Public Works’ Bureau of Street Use and Mapping, described the city’s complaint intake and repair process. He said obstructions to the public right of way receive an initial response goal of three business days and defects receive a…
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