Budget panel approves amended lease for Stow Lake Boathouse, after heated public comment

The San Francisco Budget & Finance Committee voted to forward to the full Board of Supervisors an amended lease that would award operation of the Stow Lake Boathouse concession to Ortega Family Enterprises and require specific capital and maintenance commitments.

Supervisor Eric Marr, the item—s sponsor, said he supported a partner who would preserve the boathouse and invest in the site. "I support that goal, and that's the primary reason that I'm proud to be the sponsor of this item today," Marr said during his opening remarks.

Recreation and Parks officials described the amended terms they negotiated with the Ortega group: a minimum annual guarantee increased to $160,000, a required initial capital investment of not less than $233,000, and a requirement to purchase a new fleet of rental boats valued at no less than $152,000. The department also proposed a maintenance fund (2% of gross revenues) and a personal property fund (1.5% of gross) to pay for…