The Golden State Warriors‘ ongoing effort to build on Piers 30 and 32 along the San Francisco waterfront is finally starting to generate some forward movement. The team and the city are making way at a state and local level with a few new developments over the past couple weeks.
With the passing Assembly Bill 1273 in the California State Senate on September 6th, the bill now awaits a decision from Governor Jerry Brown. The deadline for Governor Brown to veto or sign the bill is October 13.
We’ve discussed the bill before, but essentially, it creates smoother sailing for the project down the road. It would clear the need for additional steps in the regulatory process that often make projects difficult, especially on the Waterfront.
It was delayed during the summer, but has slowly made it’s way through a number of committees to the Governor’s desk, and now the Warriors are in a position to gain back some ground many thought they had lost just a few short months ago.
The Warriors have also had the San Francisco Planning Department’s comments returned to them regarding design 2.0 of the arena development plans. While a number of changes have been requested, the response has been extremely positive, after the team took steps to incorporate more open space and a maritime element to their proposal.
It was announced at a Port of San Francisco Piers 30-32 Land Use subcommittee meeting last Thursday that the Warriors are expected to be ready with the third iteration as soon as November. What new changes that might entail is hard to say.
Some of the suggested changes include broadening entrance points to the pier structure and the inclusion of more public art. The planning department has also requested a number of changes to the structures across the street, currently planned to be a luxury hotel and condominium complex.
While there’s plenty more to sort through before the Warriors break ground, it seems the project is starting to take steps in the right direction, despite still facing concerns surrounding the Environmental Impact Report and California Environmental Quality act process.
Expect more news over the next month or so, and look for the Governor’s decision in the coming weeks.
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