Keep the Waterfront Open
Frequently Asked Questions
What's at Stake?
The vast open space and expansive feeling of the San Francisco Bay along the 1,000-foot waterfront Promenade is a rare urban asset rivaled by few cities worldwide. If the Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) plan to obstruct this space with a harbor full of luxury yachts, the protections provided to San Francisco's northern waterfront will be lost forever. The Marina Green will become a run-of-the-mill grassy area devoid of history and distinction. The original design of Marina Green Park was created following the 1915 Pan Pacific Expo. It was multi-use waterfront framed by a boat harbor to the East and one to the West and a 1,000-foot promenade in between. The promenade pathway was intentionally designed to offer the public a place to escape the turmoil of urban city living. The harbors were built for both large and small-craft boats. We don't want to see the small-craft boats squeezed out in favor of 40-foot yachts or have to pay exorbitant fees.
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What are you opposed to?
The proposed harbor serves only a handful of boaters and deprives the millions of City residents, visitors and tourists of enjoying the rare - and wholly unobstructed - waterfront view of the Bay that they have been enjoying for decades. Where else can you go for a stroll or a rest or a takeout meal with an unobstructed view of the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, Angel Island, Tiburon, and the sunset. Why take that away?
​How did the RPD project start?
PG&E and the City came to an agreement in 2021 on toxic cleanup of the former Fillmore Manufactured Gas Plant in the Marina District. The agreement calls for toxin remediation and redevelopment at PG&E expense along the waterfront between the St. Francis Yacht Club and Fort Mason. PG&E is paying up to $190M for the project in exchange for removing only 15% of the toxic chemicals.
What is the "Swap"?
Instead of doing any toxic remediation in the southern half of the East Marina (the area known as Gashouse Cove) RPD proposes to use money from the PG&E settlement to relocate or "swap" the boat slips that are currently there to a new 235-slip harbor that RPD wants to build in front of the Marina Green.
Why is it being done?
RPD wants more money for operations, maintenance, dredging, etc. of the harbor. Boat slips are income. There are currently over 700 slips between the West and East Harbor marinas. The plan is to add larger, 40-foot boat slips that garner higher fees. What's not being said is the smaller 25-foot boats now in the harbor will pay the same fee as the 40-foot slips. It is unlikely "working man's" East Harbor will continue serving the working man under the RPD plan.
How does the RPD plan affect local businesses?
The RPD plan jeopardizes the appeal of the Marina Green and has a direct economic consequences for local businesses. Events like Fleet Week will no longer be spectacular with a partially obstructed view across the water. The essence of many events (Sail GP, Fourth of July, et al) is diminished when activities are only partially visible through locked gates and a forest of boat sails. The proposed new harbor risks affecting the experience of tourists and residents who relish the opportunity to relax by the Bay over a cup of coffee or a to-go lunch. Fewer people picking up a drink or food on Chestnut or Union Streets to enjoy on the waterfront.
What is Mayor Breed’s role in this?
RPD reports to the Mayor and she authorized and signed the Settlement Agreement. As Mayor, London Breed has the power to modify or terminate RPD’s plan. We are hoping she will agree with us that the highest and best use for the majority of people is keeping the iconic open view enjoyed by millions instead of adding a new harbor for luxury yachts and reducing the number of small-craft boat slips. Otherwise, Mayor Breed's legacy of intentionally losing the natural beauty of the northern waterfront will be visible forever to future generations..
What can I do?
Follow the project. Exercise your voice! Send a letter. Volunteer. Sign up for Updates, answer a call to attend a meeting at City Hall. Residents have voting power and we encourage everyone to exercise that power. Join us today! Follow Keep the Waterfront Open and tell us what you think. Answer our calls to action when you can. We are a grassroots group of San Francisco residents on a mission is to make sure that the Marina Green Promenade along the San Francisco Bay Trail doesn't lose historic, panoramic open waterfront access and use that is enjoyed by millions.