Committee backs $400,000 for Showplace Square open-space planning; funds to cover predevelopment work

The Government Audit and Oversight Committee voted to move forward with a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on a $400,000 appropriation to fund predevelopment and design work for open-space projects in the Showplace Square and Little Hollywood areas.

Steve Wertheim of the Planning Department told the committee the process identified multiple opportunity sites — including possible expansion of Jackson Playground at Carolina, Wolf’s Cafe, Townsend Circle and the NorCal Triangle at Seventh and Berry — and produced conceptual designs and cost estimates. “We’re anticipating about 3 to 5,000 more housing units in those areas,” Wertheim said, explaining that rezoning in the Eastern Neighborhoods plan increased demand for open space.

Wertheim said the requested $400,000 would be used for plan publication and predevelopment to make sites shovel-ready, not for construction. Further steps include environmental review, construction drawings, identification of acquisition funding and integration into the capital planning program. He said the Planning Department will seek a combination of development impact fees and other funding sources for eventual construction.

Speakers from adjacent neighborhoods and parks advocates voiced support. Corinne Woods, a Showplace Square neighbor involved in the planning process, asked the committee to proceed so planning can begin while escrow on the NorCal land transfer remains open. Representatives of community groups and the Sierra Club urged the committee to secure planning funding so open-space work keeps pace with anticipated new housing.

Supervisor Sophie Maxwell, sponsor of the item, thanked NorCal for cooperation and the community for its engagement. The committee agreed to move the appropriation forward with a positive recommendation to the full Board.