Committee advances several grants and public‑works items including Japantown mall, Sloat slope improvements and Potrero gateway

The Budget & Finance Committee on Nov. 30 unanimously recommended sending multiple DPH and Public Works grant acceptances and project authorizations to the full Board.

Item 3 authorized the Department of Public Health to accept and expand a roughly $87,600 State Water Resources Control Board grant to support weekly bacteria monitoring and public notifications at 17 ocean and bayside sites for three years. June Weintraub described the lab analysis and posting process.

Item 5 accepted approximately $5 million in state grant funds administered by the California Natural Resources Agency for planning, design and construction improvements to the Buchanan Mall in Japantown, including accessibility repairs, fountain restoration and commercial-edge enhancements. Public Works project manager Trent Tigger said the work responds to tripping hazards and pandemic-era commercial changes.

Item 6 accepted roughly $163,513 in repurposed federal earmark funds for Sloat Boulevard/Slope improvements (ADA curb ramps, tiles and localized roadway/sidewalk work). One caller raised CEQA and project-dependency questions related to the Great Highway project, and staff were asked to follow up.

Item 7 authorized acceptance of about $1.3 million in Clean California Local Enhancement Program funds for the Potrero Gateway Streetscape Improvement Project to improve underpass safety, add a protected bike lane, pedestrian lighting, native landscaping and public art. Each item was presented by city staff and forwarded to the full Board with positive recommendations.