Dear Mayor Newsom:

I write concerning the proposal before you to convert the Edward II Inn to housing for transition-age youth. By now, I know you have heard from neighborhood organizations including the Marina Community Association, Cow Hollow Association, Cow Hollow Neighbors in Action, Marina Merchants Association, and Union Street Merchants Association. Without exception, these groups and hundreds of adjacent neighbors are opposed to this project at this time.

Like them, I am opposed to the project as recommended by the Loan Committee, and urge you not to approve it in its current form.

While the decision of whether to sign the loan documents is ultimately yours, my fear is that the process so far has failed. I have no doubt that the intentions of the project sponsors, housing advocates and service providers are genuine. In District 2, we have welcomed young people of diverse backgrounds. Neighbors successfully fought school district plans to move Newcomer High School out of Pacific Heights so young immigrants could get the help they needed. We support any number of nonprofit initiatives headquartered in the Presidio that work with all youth.

However, any project – whether private or city-funded – must meet basic standards of meaningful community engagement and constructive public participation. This one has not. Here are just three examples:

• Neighbors first learned about the project from a police officer who spoke to the property owner, not from any official notification by the City.

• Initially, the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MCH) said members of the public could not testify at the Loan Committee meeting where it made its recommendation. It took my office to intervene before neighbors could be heard.

• No detailed service or staffing plan has been prepared or circulated, which makes it difficult to determine how this will impact the community.

I am a supporter of housing for transition-age youth, and my strong belief is it must be in safe neighborhoods to give these youth the best possible chance of success. In May, I introduced legislation to change zoning at 800 Presidio Avenue because the Booker T. Washington Community Services Center put forward a top-notch plan. While there are neighborhood concerns about parking, height and safety, that project has been in ongoing discussions for years and a full Environmental Impact Report will be prepared.

I am confident the issues can be worked out because the process has been transparent, data-driven and led by a community-based organization that has worked in this city and in its neighborhood for decades.

I have worked publicly and internally with the MOH and community leaders to identify an appropriate location in the Marina for such a project, and I remain committed to working with the MOH and the project sponsor to find one.

Concerns in the community, the San Francisco Police Department, and the City Attorney’s Office about the Bridge Motel led me to suggest converting the Bridge.

The MOH sent me an extensive letter explaining the many reasons why converting the Bridge Motel would not work. Police officers who walk the beat in this area believe that locating youth [at] the Edward II, right next to the Bridge Motel, would endanger the safety of residents and youth who may move into this site. Ensuring neighborhood safety is a critical issue that must be resolved.

I know a decision not to proceed could create negative fiscal consequences for the project sponsors, and I hope we can devise a way to make everyone financially whole, regardless of the outcome of this process.

On a personal note, I am convinced that a project put forward as a group-housing site for young adults must be accessible for young adults with disabilities. The proposal approved by the Loan Committee contains one ground floor unit and some common space, while limiting the ability of a resident or staff member with a physical disability from reaching the upper floors. Asking the first member of the Board of Supervisors with a physical disability to support a project and change zoning laws when the project will not serve all people equally is outrageous.

If you have any questions about my position, please contact me directly. I value your friendship and service to District 2. I know we will make a decision that serves the best interest of District 2 and all San Francisco.