Author Archives: BCNA Board

(Editor’s note: This letter was sent from Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association President Bob Harrer, who has been on a working group to address a proposed affordable housing project for Broadway and Front streets.)

Dear Members of the Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association and their neighbors:

We want to update you on the affordable housing project proposed in our area. We are also asking for your help in expressing your views on the project.  Information for contacts is included in this message.

As you have heard, the City is moving to develop an affordable housing project of 114 units on an existing parking lot at Broadway and Front streets.  The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) is managing the project, which would be for low-income households.  There will also be a requirement that at least 20% of the units be set aside for formerly homeless families and other special situations.  Continue Reading→

For some time, the BCNA page on the Barbary Coast News has been carrying articles on the work of the outstanding 2013-2014 Civil Grand Jury.

The San Francisco Civil Grand Jury is a government panel of volunteers who serve for one year.  It makes findings and recommendations resulting from its investigations.

This is Part 2 concerning last year’s Grand Jury report, “The Port of San Francisco – Caught Between Public Trust and Private Dollars,” an issue of importance to community residents and waterfront fanciers all over the city.  What follows is a summary of key points raised in the report. Continue Reading→

OFFICIAL BCNA NEWS

By Bob Harrer

The City is moving to develop an affordable housing project of 114 units on an existing parking lot at Broadway and Front streets.

The Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) is managing the project, which would be for low-income households.

Community organizations have urged the Port and MOHCD to instead build affordable housing for moderate-income households.

To date, the MOHCD has steadfastly refused to consider any other option than housing for low-income households at this site.  Indeed, they plan to include a requirement that at least 20% of the units will be set aside for “formerly homeless” families and other special situations.

MOHCD has said it will cost the City $12.5 million dollars more to build moderate-income housing due to the lack of federal subsidies.

Community organizations have brought up any number of ideas to look for other sources of funding. Continue Reading→