Supervisor Fiona Ma: Watch these Important Issues

Some of the most important issues facing our neighborhoods will be decided at City Hall in the next six months, and we must stay informed if we are to ensure neighborhood voices are to be heard and respected.

Better Neighborhoods Plus

For months, supervisors have been discussing a proposal called "Better Neighborhoods Plus," which would create neighborhood plans across San Francisco. I joined the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods in opposing the proposal, because it severely limits neighbors' rights to protect their neighborhood character.

Once a Better Neighborhoods Plus plan is adopted, the ability of neighbors to petition the SF Planning Commission is severely cut back. Today, neighbors can file for a Discretionary Review, which allows the Planning Commission to take a fresh look at a project and make changes that the neighborhoods support.

Under Better Neighborhoods Plus, Discretionary Review would be limited to just a few factors. In a worst case scenario, some of our City's most rapidly changing neighborhoods on the east side will be regulated by inflexible plans that inhibit growth, compromising needed housing and economic development. In west side communities, the system we've always relied upon could be radically changed.

I'm leading the fight at the SF Board of Supervisors to oppose this proposal. If it passes, I will look to the neighborhoods for our next step - whether that's going to the voters or asking the mayor to intervene.

Impound Account/Garbage Rates

You may know that garbage rates are slated to increase again by up to 25 percent. Part of what ratepayers pay is deposited into an "impound account," developed to fund recycling and landfill diversion programs. We are working to guarantee that all funds are properly used so neighborhood folks aren't asked to pay more than their fare share.

Downtown Parking Restrictions

I strongly oppose restricting parking downtown. Seniors, the disabled and their families need their cars to travel downtown from the Richmond, Sunset and other neighborhoods. I hope the board will reject these changes.

Notice of Board of Appeals Hearings

I have authored legislation to ensure that residents and property owners within 150 feet of a property that is the subject of an appeal are notified. Currently, only adjacent property owners are notified when there's an appeal.

Fiona Ma is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 4.