History of the BVHP-PAC, cont.

The PAC Organizes to Define a Community Vision

The PAC election turnout was high due to extensive outreach efforts and growing community concern about high-profile projects proposed for development in the area. Some of these projects included the Muni Third Street Light Rail Project, environmental hazards associated with the PG&E substation, potential relocation of the City's wastewater facility, and the proposed 49ers Stadium Mall. As members took office, they were immediately challenged by the need to learn about past planning processes, parliamentarian requirements for holding meetings, economics, legal understandings, future redevelopment projects, and the many needs and concerns of the community. Relationships also had to be built with other active community organizations.

Since their establishment, the PAC meets once monthly as a full body and is organized with five officers and five standing committees. Officer positions include a chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and parliamentarian. An Executive Committee provides leadership and direction for the entire PAC, including PAC officers and the Chairperson from each of the four issue committees. The four issue committees include: 1) Housing; 2) Land Use, Planning, and Transportation; 3) Health and Environment; and 4) Education, Training and Employment. Recognizing the feelings of powerlessness many residents have felt in the past, the PAC has provided ways for the community to become more involved and take a leadership position in proposed development instead of a reactionary stance. As required by law, all PAC meetings and activities are open and advertised to the public.

One immediate concern was Muni's planning for the Third Street Light Rail project. Muni, in collaboration with its consultants, sponsored a series of public workshops during the last two and one-half years to explore the impacts of light rail on the Third Street Corridor. Two Bayview Hunters Point PAC members served on the Muni Citizen's Advisory Committee. The outreach process was successful by bringing the community into larger discussions about costs and benefits in economic and neighborhood development. Another outcome was helping the PAC to connect a larger vision and goals to project-specific measures.

While working to consolidate the vision, goals, and strategies for this Revitalization Concept Plan, the PAC has assumed an activist role in several collateral efforts. These include long-term problems associated with the Southeast Sewage Facility and other environmental burdens. The City's sewage treatment plant has long been an issue for the community, as negative impacts of the plant have become increasingly burdensome to the community and potential remedies debated at great length over the last decade. Notable non-profit associations and community groups that have been an intrinsic part of the PAC's activism include the Southeast Alliance for Environmental Justice (SAEJ), the San Francisco League of Urban Gardeners (SLUG), and San Francisco Educational Services (SFES) among others.

Implementation of the Concept Plan - From Vision to Action

This Bayview Hunters Point Revitalization Concept Plan is the result of a collaborative effort by the community to develop a unified and comprehensive vision that will guide the implementation of plans, programs, and projects. Collectively, this vision empowers the people of Bayview Hunters Point to map their own destiny and share in the realization of goals that improve the quality of life for all residents.

Implementation of this vision will be guided by a "Blueprint for Action in Bayview Hunters Point." The Blueprint will provide a set of clearly defined actions by the City and state working through its many departments (i.e., the Mayor's Office, SFRA, Planning Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Public Health, Police Department, Department of Parking and Traffic, Muni and the Board of Supervisors). SFRA will help coordinate the creation of the Blueprint with the PAC in conjunction with an inter-agency team composed of persons from each of the City's offices and departments.

The Blueprint for Action, designed to meet the goals, strategies, and guidelines of this Revitalization Concept Plan, will serve to guide the implementation of public projects and programs over a five-year time period. It will identify funding sources for projects, tap existing program resources, and chart City activities. As revitalization projects are completed, it will be amended to include new activities in the next five-year cycle.

One chapter of the Blueprint for Action may be an amended redevelopment plan for an already existing industrial area within the community, creating a larger area where SFRA can work to induce private development with guidance from the PAC. This would provide funds for the building of economic development projects, affordable and market rate housing, and assist with the creation of programs to enhance the livability of Bayview Hunters Point. Projects could include streetscape improvements, faÁade improvements in the business district, parks and pathways, and other public investments. Projects like these will be guided by a set of community design guidelines providing direction for the development of both buildings and landscapes. In forming its recommendations, the PAC will obtain technical assistance and support by SFRA and other City staff.

Lastly, there will be amendments of the City's General Plan and Planning Code so that City policies and development standards for Bayview Hunters Point are consistent with the community's Revitalization Concept Plan. The Planning Code will set forth land use ordinances, development guidelines and standards that apply to property throughout the Bayview Hunters Point community.

For the people of Bayview -- the most important aspect of bringing these plans to action is your involvement! Attend every meeting you can, make your voice heard, push for the highest quality standards of development possible. With your support and continued efforts, this Revitalization Concept Plan will serve as the strong foundation for the healthy future you are working so hard to create.