OCII approves Eastcut Landing Partners to activate Transbay temporary terminal with food, sports and events

The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure voted June 1 to authorize interim activation of the former Transbay Temporary Bus Terminal site and to approve design plans that allow retail, fitness, arts, entertainment and community services on Blocks 2, 3 and 4 under a revocable permit with Eastcut Landing Partners (ECLP).

Acting development services manager Erin Foxworthy said OCII acquired the site from the Transbay Joint Powers Authority in January and solicited proposals in December. After interviews and reference checks, staff recommended ECLP; the evaluation panel cited a robust program, realistic budget and strong outreach plan.

ECLP presenters described programming zones that include a community zone, fitness and recreation (pickleball, soccer), entertainment, flex space, a family-friendly beer garden, five permanent food kiosks and five retail kiosks, rotating food trucks for supplemental capacity, an outdoor cinema, art installations, a children’s play area and a dog run. The site is expected to open in July with a phased rollout through the fall and continue until long-term construction begins in 2023.

"The interim activation plan includes food and beverage uses, vendors with permanent food kiosks, a rotating food truck program, a beer garden, and retail kiosks," said Andrew Robinson, executive director of the Eastcut Community Benefit District.

ECLP said it will prioritize small businesses and SBEs within the East Cut boundary for food and retail stalls and coordinate outreach with OCII. Staff and ECLP said janitorial and daytime maintenance will be provided by the Eastcut CBD's contractor Block by Block and the named beverage partner is Monarch Beverage; OCII staff also said ECLP will comply with indemnification, insurance and COVID-19 protocols.

During public comment, callers asked for youth needs assessments and stronger health-department data to guide programming during the pandemic; Katina Johnson, Eastcut CBD board president, supported the proposal and said outreach was extensive. Commissioner Brackett voted no, citing concerns about outreach to organizations that support BIPOC food entrepreneurs and the beer partner’s nonlocal origins. Vice Chair Rosales and other commissioners asked for expanded outreach and reporting back on local vendor inclusion.

Vice Chair Rosales moved the permit authorization and design approvals; the motion passed by roll call (3 ayes, 1 no, 1 absent). OCII staff said operations will be monitored and phased in as permanent construction begins on portions of the site.