Potrero Yard Modernization Project Summer 2024 Newsletter

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Hello Potrero Yard Neighbor! We are excited to bring you Summer 2024 Updates on the transformation of the century-old SFMTA’s Potrero Yard into a modern, efficient bus maintenance and storage facility that integrates new affordable housing and retail spaces.

In This Issue:

 

September Community Event

 

Reimagined Potrero Yard Tour

  • Saturday, September 14, 2024
  • 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
  • Franklin Square, 2500 17th Street, San Francisco (Enter at the corner of 17th and Bryant streets)

Our next community open house event will take place on Saturday September 14, 2024. This event will be designed as a gallery walk around the block to provide community members with an immersive, up-close experience of the Project area.

 

Attendees will explore information stations that provide project details on the bus yard, housing, public art, and other key topics. Attendees can also join an optional tour of the bus yard. (Closed-toe shoes must be worn if attending a yard tour.) 

RSVP on Eventbrite here



Reimagined Potrero Yard Tour Recorrido de Potrero Yard Reinventando Saturday, September 14, 2024 1:00 pm Sábado 14 de septiembre 2024 a la 1:00 pm



Sunday Streets

Join us at Sunday Streets SF in the Mission on August 25th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of car-free fun for the whole family along Valencia Street between Duboce Avenue and 26th Street.

  • When: Sunday, August 25, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Where: Valencia Street between Duboce Avenue and 26th Street.

Look for the SFMTA and PNC team along Valencia Street. Stop by and get the latest information about the Potrero Yard Modernization Project. We hope to see you there!

SFMTA staff gathered under white tents at an outdoor event with informational posters about the Project and tables. A man with a baby in a stroller interacts with staff.

Pictured: Potrero Yard Modernization Project team members at past Sunday Streets SF event in the Mission

 

Fiesta de las Américas

 

Join us at Calle 24’s Fiesta de las Américas in celebration of the independence of various Latin American countries and commemoration of the culture, arts, and music found throughout Latin America. Visitors can enjoy local vendors, live music, community resources, and more!

 

  • When: Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00 – 6:00 PM
  • Where: 24th Street from Bryant St. to Folsom St.

Stop by and meet Project team members. We’ll have information and updates on the Project.

 

 A person in a black jacket and cap holds a brochure while standing at an outdoor event. A banner with the text "Fiesta de las Américas" spans the street in the background.

Potrero Yard Modernization Project team member at 2023 Fiesta de las Américas event.


 

Public Art

 

Share Your Feedback on the Integrated Glass Artwork Proposals for the Potrero Yard Modernization Project!  There are a few more days to provide your comments. The public comment period ends August 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

The San Francisco Arts Commission (SFAC) is currently conducting a review process to choose an artist or artist teams for two artwork opportunities for the Potrero Yard Modernization Public Art Project:

The landmark glass artworks will illuminate and celebrate the people, history, and diverse cultures of San Francisco's Potrero Hill and Mission neighborhoods and adjacent Calle 24 and American Indian Cultural Districts, as well as highlight SFMTA’s goal to promote environmental stewardship and provide reliable, safe, and affordable transportation for all. 

 

Bus Ramp on 17th Street

Rendering of the Potrero Yard bus ramp on 17th Street with a white block of color and a question mark where there will be public art.

Visualization of the 17th Street bus ramp where new art is coming.

 

Three artist teams have made it to the finals for the bus ramp on 17th Street. The proposed designs include:

 

1. Migration by Celeste Byers & Spencer Keeton Cunningham 


Art proposal for the Potrero Yard bus ramp. Image includes several bright colors and the outlines of animals.

 

2. We Move this City by Precita Eyes Muralists 


Image of proposed artwork for the Potrero Yard facility. Artwork includes images of people and buses.

 

3. Muni in Motion by Twin Walls Mural Company


image a large art mural

 

You can learn more about the artists and their work by visiting the 17th Street bus ramp art proposal webpage.

 

The Stairwell

 

That's not all! There will also be a 3,800-square-foot glass art piece on the stairwell facing Mariposa Street at York Street.

Visualization of the Mariposa Street stairwell area where new art is coming. A blue block of color with a question mark shows where the art is heading.

Visualization of the Mariposa Street stairwell area where new art is coming.

This time, the finalists are individual artists. They created the following designs:

 

1. Monday on the 48 by Christopher Burch

Proposed artwork for the Mariposa Street stairwell area of the Potrero Yard facility. Image features people, a Muni bus and the Golden Gate Bridge.

 

2. Hogar by Jet Martinez

Proposed artwork for the Mariposa Street stairwell area of the Potrero Yard facility. Bright image includes birds, flowers and more.

 

 

3. Transfer to Tomorrow by Josué Rojas

Proposed artwork for the mariposa street stairwell area of the Potrero Yard facility. Image features, people, a Muni transfer and the Muni worm logo.

 

 

4. Marisposas en la Misión by Juan R. Fuentes

Proposed artwork for the Mariposa Street stairwell area of the Potrero Yard facility. Image features people, bright blocks of color and adjusted version of the Muni worm logo.

 

 

Please review these artwork proposals and provide feedback. More information about each proposal is available online on the SFAC website. Leave feedback in the public comment form found towards the bottom of each page through August 19, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Comments may also be submitted via email to sfacpublicartcomment@sfgov.org.

 

Potrero Yard Modernization Project Public Art Timeline

Glass Artworks  
Public Comment Period August 5 – August 19, 2024
Artist Review Panel Two August 28 (Bus Ramp
VAC Approval September 19
Arts Commission Approval October 7
Tile Artwork  
Artist Review Panel One Week of October 21
Artist Finalist Orientation Week of November 4
Finalist Proposals Due January 10, 2025
Artist Review Panel Two Week of March 3
VAC Approval March 19
Art Commission Approval April 7
October 2024 – October 2025 * Artwork Design Development phase
November 2025 – March 2026 * Artwork Construction Document phase
April 2025 – September 2026 * Artwork fabrication
Winter 2026/Spring 2027 *  Artwork installation
* Contingent on project construction schedule. Subject to change.

Bus Yard

 

Based on the evolving capabilities of the bus yard facility, the maximum number of buses housed at Yard has been increased to accommodate future demands. The table below outlines the revised bus fleet composition:

Bus Type

Previous Proposed Composition

New Proposed Composition

40-foot buses

53

153

60-foot buses

160

90

Total Buses

213

246 

 

These updates reflect our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and meeting growing transit needs. Stay tuned for further developments as we continue to advance our infrastructure to better serve our community.
 


Neighborhood Working Group 

 

We’re thrilled to welcome new members to the Potrero Yard Neighborhood Working Group! These individuals bring valuable perspectives and dedication to our community-focused efforts.

 

James Bryant

Ross Brown

James Bryant — Workforce Development Services
James joins us from A. Philip Randolph Institute, where he has a robust background in advocating for workers’ rights and workforce development. 
Ross Brown — Youth Services 
Ross, from Horizons Unlimited of San Francisco, brings a passion for supporting and empowering young people in our community.

The Neighborhood Working Group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. These meetings take place in a hybrid format and are open to the public. View the meeting schedule here.

 

NEW Youth Seat Application Open:

We are excited to announce the Potrero Yard Neighborhood Working Group will be expanding to include a new Youth Seat. If you know a high school-aged student who is passionate about community development, transportation, or housing and wants to make a difference, encourage them to apply! The application is open through September 9, 2024. Interested youth can apply here.  


Potrero yard Neighborhood Working Group Youth Seat announcement:  Involved Youth ages 14-19 or grades 9-12 living and attending school in San Francisco. ZIP codes 94107, 94110, 94103 and 94124 area codes will be prioritized. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. with dinner provided. Applications are due Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

The application is open through September 9, 2024. Interested youth can apply here.  Reach out to Caroline Cabral at Caroline.Cabral@SFMTA.com with any questions.

 

Entitlements

 

On March 12, 2024, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors (BOS) granted entitlements for the project through special legislation, which Mayor Breed signed on March 22, 2024. Some highlights are below and you can find the full meeting minutes here

  • Approval Process: The project received entitlements after the BOS conducted a final reading on March 12, 2024.
  • General Plan and Zoning Amendments: The legislation includes changes to the General Plan, the creation of a new Special Use District (SUD), and modifications to the Planning Code and Zoning Map.
  • Special Use District (SUD): The SUD allows for mixed-use development including transit infrastructure, commercial spaces, and residential units at the Potrero Yard site, expanding the site's function beyond just a transit facility.
  • Building Height and Bulk Limits: The entitlements permit increased building heights, with the transit facility (bus yard) reaching up to 75 feet and allowing housing to reach a maximum height of 150 feet.

This approval moves us closer to the final design phase, bringing the vision for a reimagined Potrero Yard to life. 


 

As part of the SFMTA and PNC continued commitment to community engagement, our team has recently participated in several community events in the Southeast Corridor:

  • 2024 Carnaval and Mardi Gras Events
  • Y For Community Day and Bayview Family Day

A group of people standing in front of a tent with booth

 

The Project was a sponsor for 2024 Carnaval and Mardi Gras Events. Pictured above, team members are shown at the MEDA booth on Harrison Street during 2024 Carnaval.


 A group of people sitting at booth with a table wearing safety vests

PNC Presenting a booth at the Y for Community Day in the Bayview and the Bayview Family Day.

 


 

We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to your continued involvement in shaping the Potrero Yard Modernization Project. For any inquiries, reach out to PotreroYard@plenaryamericas.com

(415) 646-2223