SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Philip Y. Ting (D – San Francisco) presented the merits of AB 1273 to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water, a bill that would help advance a restoration proposal for San Francisco’s Piers 30-32. The bill previously passed the Assembly on a vote of 51 to 10. The Senate committee’s action today was approved by a vote of 8 to 0.
The legislation ensures that if a multi-purpose venue is approved to be located on Piers 30-32, the project will maximize public access, open space, and maritime uses consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine — the principles that govern the use of California’s sovereign waterfront properties.
In addition to the multi-purpose venue proposed by the Golden State Warriors, an NBA franchise, the proposed project will include a fireboat station, a deep-water cruise berth, water taxis, and more than 50 percent of free, publicly-accessible open space to bring people to the waterfront.
“This project is a fantastic opportunity for San Francisco to turn an underutilized, unsightly property on our waterfront into a world-class, public gathering spot,” Ting said. It will enhance the already vibrant scene along the Embarcadero, and be a huge boost to the local economy.”
The legislation specifies that any such improvements remain subject to regulatory approval by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission and subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
“My bill ensures that the ultimate authority to approve this project remains with our local land use agency, which will conduct a transparent process and seek maximum public input on the proposal,” Ting said.
Assemblymember Ting’s legislation is sponsored by the City and County of San Francisco and is supported by multiple public safety and labor organizations, the hotel and tourist industry, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and San Francisco Citizens Initiative for Technology and Innovation (SF Citi).
The Senate Natural Resources Committee approved amendments to the bill through which the Legislature will assign the task of determining if the development proposal is trust consistent to the State Lands Commission.
Assemblymember Ting is the Chair of Assembly Democratic Caucus and the Assembly Select Committee on Asia/California Trade and Investment Promotion, and he serves on the Budget, Business, Professions and Consumer Protection, Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials and the Revenue and Taxation committees.
CONTACT: Carol Chamberlain, carol.chamberlain@asm.ca.gov, 916-319-2019