Felton Institute proposes Mission Street consolidation; DPH reports Prop I outreach

Felton Institute told the Health Commission that it is proposing to lease two suites (totaling about 8,081 square feet) at 1663 Mission Street to consolidate five existing programs, including four forensic programs and one children’s program.

Michelle Ruggles of the Department of Public Health’s business office explained that relocations are subject to the department’s Good Neighbor Policy under the city’s Prop I (Chapter 79 of the Administrative Code). Felton posted notices and held the required first community meeting; Ruggles reported 22 attendees including staff and no objections at that meeting. Because no outstanding questions remained, DPH did not schedule further meetings but said it would do so if additional concerns arise.

Felton’s chief financial and operations officer, Marvin Davis, told commissioners the proposed site improves proximity and transportation access for the clients the agency serves, compared with existing locations farther up Van Ness and in the Mission. Commissioners asked about possible transportation barriers and whether the move might create access issues for participants; Felton responded that the new site should be more convenient for clients.

Why it matters: Prop I and the Good Neighbor Policy require public posting and community input for city-funded projects that involve new construction, changes in use or significant expansion. The commission’s role in this instance is to hear the discussion before any contract action occurs; the relocation will return as an action item at a future meeting if DPH moves forward.

Next steps: The item will be brought back to the Commission as an action item at a future meeting if there are no outstanding issues or when a contract requiring commission approval is presented.