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Committee advances $962,038 design appropriation for Jefferson Street, strips $255,005 construction contingency
Summary
The committee approved a $962,038 appropriation for design of a two‑block Jefferson Street streetscape in Fisherman's Wharf, removed about $255,005 of construction contingency and forwarded the item without recommendation while seeking further construction funding details and equity assurances.
The Budget & Finance Committee advanced a supplemental appropriation request to fund design work for a two‑block Jefferson Street streetscape in Fisherman's Wharf but removed a construction contingency sum and sent the measure to the Board of Supervisors without committee recommendation.
President David Chu, a sponsor, and Mr. Legg introduced the project as Phase 1 of a larger public‑realm plan, intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and to be ready for America's Cup events. Neil (planning department lead) said Jefferson Street peaks at about 65,000 pedestrians per day and identified the corridor as a significant gap in the Bay Trail. The proposed Phase 1 would narrow vehicle lanes, widen sidewalks (16 feet on the south side and a 32‑foot pedestrian/cafe zone on the north), remove on‑street parking and reallocate frontage space for outdoor seating or small plazas.
Mr. Legg described three preliminary cost options ranging roughly from about $5 million to $8.7 million for the two‑block segment; staff said the appropriation before the committee covered design only. The committee and staff discussed alternatives (less expensive surfacing vs. granite), construction timing, and the need to coordinate around F‑line light rail. Funding sources for the $962,038 design appropriation were cited as interest earnings on state Proposition 1B bond proceeds; the Budget Analyst noted a controller’s reserve of $52,600 because some interest earnings have not yet been received.
Several supervisors raised equity concerns that high‑profile tourist areas receive accelerated attention and asked departments and the mayor’s office to pursue geographically equitable investment across districts. Andy Thornley of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition supported the project, citing economic and safety benefits for bike connections and the Bay Trail.
Supervisor Avalos moved to strip approximately $255,005 from the appropriation (an amount above the design component) and to forward the design appropriation without recommendation; Chair Carmen Chu and the committee agreed. The item will go to the Board of Supervisors; departments were asked to return with more detailed construction financing plans when available.
The committee also required the Port/Departments to provide follow‑up information on identified funding gaps for related projects.
