Supervisor Fiona Ma: Sunset Improvement Projects

You may have noticed increased activity around our district water facilities and reservoirs. As I reported in a previous column, the SF Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is starting work on a Capital Improvement Plan to upgrade our aging water-delivery system and protect and preserve it for future generations. What does this mean for the Sunset? It means we will directly benefit from several projects. 

In mid-November will see preparation for a new water main from the Sunset Reservoir along 29th Avenue and Lincoln Way. The trenching and piping from 29th Avenue to Lincoln Way will last through April 2005. The remaining 2.5 miles of pipe will be installed along Lincoln Way, to Fifth Avenue, through the spring of 2006. If you would like more information about this project, contact Robert Lopez at rlopez@sfwater.org or 554-3286

At the Sunset Reservoir, plans are being finalized to stabilize and reinforce the hillside of the north basin at 28th Avenue and Ortega Street. The project will require cutting into the hillside and installing columns to protect the embankment from liquefaction in case of an earthquake.

Built in 1938, the Sunset Reservoir supplies drinking water to nearly 60 percent of our homes and businesses. This project will help protect this resource. Work will start in early spring of 2005 and when construction is complete, the hillside will be restored, as will its stone wall and benches. Contact Maureen Barry at mbarry@sfwater.org or 554-3297 if you would like greater details on this project.

The Central Pump Station on Sloat Boulevard and 23rd Avenue will see structural and seismic improvements as well. Demolition work, framing and seismic reinforcement work is beginning this fall. Most of the work will be done inside the pump station so noise in the neighborhood should be minimal. The PUC anticipates completion in early 2006.

For more information on this project, contact Amy Sinclair at asinclair@sfwater.org or 551-4659.

Finally, in late November, a seismic retrofit of the Merced Manor Reservoir will get underway. This $5.4 million project will repair the inside of the reservoir, strengthen the roof and reinforce the overall structure.

There will be a community briefing about the project on Thursday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m., at an on-site trailer. I encourage residents to attend for a more detailed briefing. Contact Maureen Barry at mbarry@sfwater.org or 554-3297 for information on the project or on the upcoming meeting.

Throughout this process, my office has been assisting the PUC in their commitment to make these improvement projects part of an open community process, which involves residents and businesses in its planning and refinement. By working together, we can assure the reliability and safety of our water for future generations while making sure that these projects preserve the quality of life in our neighborhood.

Fiona Ma is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 4.