Public Works Commission: Oct 17, 2024

The commission awarded contracts for street improvements on 13th and between Market and Transbay terminal, and announced a new strategic plan.

Discussed Matters

Highlights: The Director of Public Works introduced the new strategic plan aimed at bolstering the city’s resilience and enhancing urban living through a series of initiatives. The primary objectives included “Valuing People,” “Delivering Impactful Projects and Services,” and “Revitalizing the City.” The Director emphasized that this vision would serve as a “North Star” for Public Works, allowing flexibility to pivot if unforeseen events, like another pandemic, arise.
Discussion: Commissioners commended the strategy but requested its publication on the department’s website and distribution among commissioners. They suggested future updates on specific actions undertaken to achieve these goals. The Director confirmed the department’s commitment to transparency, highlighting the upcoming availability of the plan for public review.

Summary: This agenda item focused on awarding a $4.58 million contract to R&S Construction Management, Inc. for the Transit U Improvement Project, primarily benefiting pedestrians and transit users along a highly trafficked corridor between the Salesforce Transit Center and Market Street.
Key Aspects:
- The project entails sidewalk widening, streetscape enhancements, new pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and street lighting improvements.
- Planners integrated community feedback, particularly regarding beautification elements like tree planting and benches, though constraints limited the scope.
Intensive Discussion: Commissioner Post inquired about beautification efforts, noting that some areas remained “bleak.” The project manager highlighted coordination with local organizations like East Cut CBD to improve aesthetic appeal, despite limitations posed by underground infrastructure and traffic needs. These additions were met with appreciation but were tempered by realistic expectations of limited enhancements within budget.

Context: Residents Jesse Nickels and Eileen Norman, representing people with disabilities, expressed frustrations over delays in obtaining a permit to make their home accessible.
Concerns: They detailed the bureaucratic hurdles and additional fees requested for minor repairs, which they argued were unfairly obstructive and costly. Public Works delayed their permit approval over a crack in their curb, an issue adding significant time and cost to their accessibility plans.
Commission Response: Commissioners acknowledged their concerns, directing the Public Works Director to expedite the process. The discussion underscored a need to review and streamline permit procedures for disabled residents, aligning policies with San Francisco’s inclusivity and equity values.

Overview: A major contract awarded to NTK Construction, Inc. for pedestrian and bicycle improvements, pavement renovation, and drainage work along 13th Street between Valencia Street and Isis Street.
Details: This high-profile project includes implementing safety features such as pedestrian bulb-outs, traffic signals, and street lighting, aimed at making the corridor safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
Debate: Commissioners questioned the timeline and the impact on local traffic during construction. The response clarified the 650-day timeline with allowances for weather and supply chain disruptions. Commissioners emphasized a need for stringent communication with affected businesses and residents, with monthly updates provided by Public Works.

Summary: Fiona, representing Walk San Francisco and the Vision Zero Coalition, addressed the commission on the importance of redesigning streets to prioritize safety and reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries.
Coalition’s Ask: The coalition urged Public Works to make annual, measurable commitments toward accelerating street safety improvements. They emphasized the importance of intra-agency cooperation to implement Vision Zero projects efficiently.
Commission’s Feedback: Commissioners echoed support for these initiatives and emphasized the urgency of collaboration between Public Works, SFMTA, and community stakeholders. The Director committed to prioritizing the Vision Zero goals, noting that projects like the 13th Street Safety Improvement align with these efforts.

Program Extension: The commission approved an extension and additional funding for the Summer Youth Workforce Development Program, extending its impact through October 2025.
Significance: The program was praised for providing job readiness and career opportunities for youth in underserved communities. Commissioner Turner highlighted positive community feedback about the program and its role in fostering civic engagement.
Discussion: Commissioners discussed monitoring and evaluating the program’s impact. They requested integrating its outcomes into the annual performance review for grant programs, reinforcing the commission’s commitment to workforce development.

Newsletter and Community Projects: The Director discussed recent projects featured in the department’s newsletter, including the Bridge View Garden Program and improvements on Treasure and Yerba Buena Islands. Community engagement events, like the graffiti removal day in the Tenderloin, were also mentioned.
Feedback: Commissioners appreciated these initiatives and underscored the importance of community partnerships in enhancing urban spaces. They suggested incorporating feedback mechanisms to better align projects with residents’ needs.