The Latest on the Waterfront Homeless Navigation Center Proposal

Seawall Lot 330. Photo: Leah Millis / The Chronicle

Here is an update on our recent activities regarding the proposed waterfront homeless Navigation Center. The Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association will continue to closely monitor developments.

February 2019 Meeting with SF Port: BCNA representatives met with Port Director Elaine Forbes and a Mayor’s Office representative on February 27, 2019. The meeting focused on the Port’s interest in developing homeless services, including a site for a Navigation Center that fits with its strategic plan. During the meeting it was explained that economic factors rule out the Bay/Kearny/Embarcadero site in District 3, which would only allow 40-50 beds. The City is proposing a Navigation Center at Seawall Lot 330 across from Piers 30-32 in District 6, which would accommodate about 200 beds.
March 2019 Public Meetings: This month has featured several outreach meetings involving the Port Commission, a general community meeting at Delancey Street Foundation, a combined advisory group meeting (CWAG/NEWAG), and mailings to residents and property owners in the area.
March 12 Port Commission hearing: This event was packed with residents from the area near SWL 330. Most of the speakers were opposed to the proposed Navigation Center at that site. Three of the five commissioners were present for the hearing. One commissioner supported the Mayor’s proposal, and comments by the other two did not indicate any opposition to the proposal. Subsequent press reports indicate the Port Commission is likely to approve the proposal.
March 12 Community Meeting following the Port Commission hearing: BCNA representatives observed this meeting, which was attended by an estimated 200-300 residents, businesses, and property owners. About 60% of the speakers opposed the proposal and 40% supported it. Matt Haney (District 6 supervisor) closed the meeting with these comments: He supports navigation centers, but they need to be done right; the neighborhood must be able to see improvement with the center; the large size is an issue; he wants an shorter lease; the safety/security plan is insufficient; and another Navigation Center needs to be approved or proposed first before this one.
Combined NEWAG/CWAG meeting: BCNA representatives attended this meeting where City representatives reiterated the plan for a Navigation Center at Seawall Lot 330. It entails 175-225 beds, a four-year operation to begin in summer 2019, admission priority for homeless people in the vicinity of the site (including the BCNA neighborhood), 24/7 staff and security,
no walk-ins, and hiring Navigation Center residents to clean a zone around the site. About 70 members of the public attended. Most appeared to own nearby condominiums and spoke against the proposed site.
April 2019 Events: More community outreach is planned. Proposed events include a second community meeting (date TBD) and an April 8, 2019 presentation to the South Beach, Rincon, and Mission Bay neighborhoods. The proposed Navigation Center is on the agenda for possible approval at the April 23 Port Commission Meeting.
Considerations for District 3: There have been assurances that some homeless people from District 3, particularly those across from the Ferry Building area, would be served by the proposed Navigation Center. It should be noted that Supervisor Aaron Peskin is not convinced that all of D3’s needs will be served by the proposed center. Thus, he is continuing his search for a location in D3 and solicited suggestions for potential sites at a recent constituent meeting.
Recent media coverage of the Navigation Center proposal:
More information:
- Elaine Forbes’ March 7, 2019 Memorandum to the Port Commission
- March 4, 2019 outreach letter from Jeff Kositsky, Director of Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing