District 5 Newsletter - April 5, 2024
Friends and neighbors,
We had two major legislative victories this week that I wanted to bring to your attention. First, our ordinance to ban new smoke shops in the Tenderloin and Lower Polk neighborhoods, a measure strongly supported by a broad cross-section of Tenderloin and Lower Polk residents and small businesses, received final approval from the Board this week and will soon go into effect. Second, our resolution urging the SF Housing Authority to apply for available federal funding for up to 3,668 deeply affordable units passed unanimously, sending a strong message to SFHA and the Mayor. After half a century of disinvestment by the federal government, it’s exciting to have the opportunity to get federal funds for up to 3,668 new deeply affordable rental units with a permanent federal subsidy in San Francisco. Unfortunately, while other cities like Boston and Los Angeles are seizing the opportunity to apply to maximize the funds, our Mayor and San Francisco Housing Authority were letting this rare opportunity pass us by. Fortunately, our Resolution seems to be changing that, and SFHA and the Mayor’s Office have committed to identifying sites and submitting applications this calendar year. Read here for more information.
We also had a lot to celebrate in the district these past few weeks. Comix Experience on Divisadero commemorated its 35th Anniversary with a fun and spirited birthday party fit for this beloved comic book store. We were proud to attend and present a Certificate of Honor (and eat some of the birthday cake). Curry Senior Center opened up their Tech and Wellness Hub+ at 520 Turk Street, an inviting space for the Tenderloin's older adults and adults and disabilities to learn new skills, make new friends, and enjoy a wide variety of social events and classes. Last Thursday, we joined San Francisco Housing and Development Corporation, Fleming Development, Westside Community Services, Human Rights Committee, OEWD, and community members for a Fillmore Heritage Center Open House. It was great to see Marcus Books in the space, Honey Art Studio’s ‘Harlem of the West’ Exhibit on display, and so many community members gathered at the event. The Fillmore Heritage Center is a vital institution in the heart of the Fillmore, and the open house marked great progress towards reactivation and ensuring the building benefits the community for generations. And this week, we joined Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation, MOHCD, and community leaders to celebrate the reopening of the historic Ambassador and Ritz Hotels in the Tenderloin. Once a place for respite and hospice during the AIDS crisis, these SROs offer much needed supportive housing for our community. The renovated buildings look amazing!
The Board of Supervisors will be on Spring Recess the week of April 8 to 12, meaning the Board of Supervisors and our committees will not meet and vote on items that week. This gives the Supervisors and our staff time to draft and do outreach on legislative priorities, meet with the district outside of City Hall, and get ready for what will be a busy upcoming budget season.
As always, stay in touch with the District 5 office by emailing us at PrestonStaff@sfgov.org, calling (415) 554-7630, or replying to this email.
In community,
Dean Preston, District 5 Supervisor
$8.1 Million for the Buchanan Mall
Last week, after years of advocacy, the Buchanan Mall in the Western Addition neighborhood was awarded an $8.1 million federal grant from the Department of Interior to begin the renovation project developed by the Fillmore community. This critical federal grant from the DOI will continue our strong momentum to move this project forward while providing the opportunity for the community to fully realize their vision for the Buchanan Mall.
The Buchanan Mall in the Fillmore is a very special car-free space in our City that has long needed some love and investment. Supporting the community-led effort to improve the Buchanan Mall as a car-free community space has been a top priority for my office since day one, and I am proud to have partnered with community and city leaders to secure federal, state, and local funding. I could not be more excited to move this project forward.
The Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) is expected to put out the Buchanan Street Mall Renovations project for a public bid this spring. In advance of advertising, RPD will finalize their contract specifications—including provisions for minority and women-owned business participation and workforce development. They expect construction to begin before the end of 2024.