Brookfield Properties secures permit for new programming at 5Ms park in SoMa

In a recent San Francisco government meeting, city officials discussed plans to activate two parks with a variety of entertainment activities aimed at enhancing community engagement. The proposed events include fitness classes, film screenings, children's activities, farmers markets, and live musical performances. To address community concerns regarding noise, the applicants have committed to ending all entertainment and amplified sound by 9 PM, a recommendation that city staff supports as a permit condition.

Sound inspectors conducted measurements to establish appropriate sound limits for each park, noting that the closest sensitive receptor is located 100 feet away, which is closer than the standard 250 feet outlined in municipal police code. As a result, staff recommended more conservative sound limits to ensure minimal disruption to nearby residents. The applicants engaged in extensive outreach, sending out 423 letters to the community, with 405 directed to neighboring residences. Notably, there was no opposition to the permit, and the Southern Station has approved it with standard conditions.

Swati Banda, Senior Director of Development at Brookfield Properties, presented details about the recently opened 5M project, which includes a commercial office tower, a residential tower, and 26,000 square feet of public open space. Banda emphasized the goal of securing the permit to facilitate daily programming for the South of Market (SoMa) community. The programming will leverage partnerships with local organizations, such as the Dempster Building, which houses cultural and arts initiatives.

Banda outlined plans for ongoing community engagement, including a monthly newsletter to inform stakeholders about upcoming events and programming. This initiative aims to keep residents informed about activities in the parks, particularly regarding amplified noise. The property management team will oversee sound levels to ensure compliance with the established limits, and for larger events, additional noise permits may be sought.

The discussions at this meeting highlight the city's commitment to fostering community interaction through public spaces while balancing the need for noise control and resident comfort. As the project moves forward, the implementation of these plans will be closely monitored to assess their impact on the local community.