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Committee backs ordinance to treat Transbay rooftop as city park and prohibit smoking there
Summary
The committee recommended that the Board amend the park code to treat the Transbay Transit Center rooftop as a city park for certain purposes, to prohibit smoking on that rooftop park, and to affirm the Planning Department’s CEQA determination. TJPA staff described park features, hours, rule exceptions for wheelchairs and strollers, and a layered security plan funded by TJPA.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee on March 14 voted to forward an ordinance to the full Board that would treat the Transbay Transit Center rooftop as a city park for certain Municipal Code purposes, prohibit smoking there, and affirm the Planning Department’s CEQA determination.
Sydney Sansom, chief security officer for the Transbay Joint Powers Authority, told the committee TJPA is nearing completion of a 5.4‑acre elevated linear rooftop park that stretches about 1,400 feet and will include gardens, an amphitheater, a children's play area and dining spaces. Sansom said the park has an innovative gray‑water recovery system and unique, intensive landscaping that requires tailored rules.
"TJPA requests the Board of Supervisors adopt the legislation amending the Municipal Code to make the rooftop park a park subject to certain rules and regulations while TJPA retains jurisdiction and control of the park," Sansom said.
Sansom outlined rules TJPA proposes to parallel Yerba Buena Gardens: prohibitions on camping, plant removal and feeding wildlife; restrictions on athletic activities (no team sports because the park is narrow and 70 feet above street level); and a ban on wheeled conveyances except wheelchairs and strollers. She said TJPA has an MOU with the San Francisco Police Department and that TJPA will pay for SFPD services. TJPA proposed a layered security approach that includes roving ambassadors, private security and SFPD officers and emphasized outreach to neighborhoods, transit operators and community groups.
Noelle Young, legislative aide to Supervisor Jane Kim, spoke in support on Kim’s behalf, noting the park will provide free programming and neighborhood benefits. Andrew Robinson, executive director of the East Cut Community Benefit District, said the CBD will contribute to park operations and maintenance and described several months of community outreach.
Supervisor Aaron Peskin moved item 2 to the full Board with a positive recommendation; the committee passed the motion without objection.
What’s next: The ordinance will be considered by the full Board of Supervisors; TJPA will set park hours and a permit and fee structure and implement the proposed layered security and signage plan.
