Supervisor Jake McGoldrick: Richmond District in Motion

Recently, Mayor Gavin Newsom and I co-hosted a Richmond Town Hall Meeting where many issues related to the district's quality of life and neighborhood improvements were addressed. The Presidio Middle School Auditorium was packed with more than 350 attendees on a Saturday afternoon. And the dynamic discussion went overtime as both the mayor and I made sure everyone who wanted to speak had an opportunity to do so.

Many of the city's departments were on hand to address constituent issues, ranging from coyotes in Golden Gate Park, to an interest in increased greening efforts, to the need for timed traffic signals on Geary Boulevard. Even more exciting was the opportunity to update residents and discuss two very important district improvements; the Richmond Library's renovation and the Geary Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) study.

The library renovation will add 4,000 square feet to its existing structure. This will be the second largest library in the City after the Main Library. While much of the money comes from a bond measure passed by voters in 2000, I was grateful to work with advocates to secure an additional $5.9 million in state funding.

A complete renovation will include seismic strengthening, improved disabled access, energy efficiency, more computers, extra seating, and more books. The branch will be closed at the end of 2006 and will open in early 2009. During the closure, library services will be provided by increasing hours at nearby branches, by Bookmobile service and at local schools and community centers.

Residents will have an opportunity to further discuss design and to finalize plans just before closure. For more information, contact the Branch Library Improvement Program at (415) 557-4354 or at www.sfpl.org.

At the Town Hall Meeting, we received many thoughtful questions concerning public transit, which both the mayor's office and my office are working to address, such as "How will BRT affect the factors of global warming?," "Can BRT extend east of Van Ness?," and "Can we increase the use of express buses to all day?" Auto congestion, current traffic signals and slow boarding are major sources of delay. An improved bus system includes faster travel times, more reliability, and safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

Better public transit means less harmful effects on the environment through increased ridership and decreased automobile reliance. BRT offers many options to address transit effectiveness and neighborhood improvements. In partnership with the Municipal Transportation Authority (MTA) and Muni, the S.F. County Transportation Authority (TA) is working towards improving citywide mobility and accessibility.

The TA provided an excellent presentation of the Geary BRT study and its objectives, construction time and costs, as well as an outline of three possible BRT options, including curbside BRT, center BRT with side platforms and center BRT with center platforms. Similar to street resurfacing and curbing projects, the BRT can be built quickly with few construction impacts.

At the same time, BRT could improve pedestrian safety and amenities on Geary, making it more attractive and livable. Things like corner bulbs, countdown signals, platform signals, greening and landscaping will encourage people to walk to restaurants, do their shopping and meet up with friends on Geary.

The TA is collaborating with the SF Planning Department of Department of Public Works to address beautification and safety issues.

Lastly, another neighborhood beautification, pedestrian safety and environmentally friendly effort will be the repaving of John F. Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park. During this past budget cycle, I was able to secure $500,000 for the project. Though JFK Drive is not car free, park visitors will soon walk, run, bike and skate "pot hole free."

Just before recess, my legislation to expand access for the disabled community to the park's Sunday car-free program was passed by the Board of Supervisors. We will soon add disabled parking spaces, additional drop-off zones and a JFK Drive transit shuttle. Thank you to the city family for its team effort.

Much thanks to the Town Hall Meeting attendees and to all Richmond residents who take the time to keep an eye on the District.

San Francisco Supervisor Jake McGoldrick represents District 1.