Committee continues Transbay airspace vacation after design, liability questions

The Land Use and Transportation Committee voted on Monday to accept technical amendments to an ordinance that would vacate a portion of airspace above Natoma Street near the Transbay Transit Center and to continue the item for further design review.

Supervisor Matt Dorsey, sponsor of the item, told the committee the Transbay Joint Powers Authority and the Parcel F developer have an easement agreement to build an elevated pedestrian bridge connecting the rooftop park to Parcel F. “This item moves us closer to achieving the vision and fulfilling the promise of the transit center district plan,” Dorsey said, adding that amendments being proposed are non‑substantive cleanups to public‑works order numbers and map dates.

Several supervisors, led by Supervisor Peskin, pressed TJPA and city counsel on the bulk and transparency of the proposed sky bridge, the city’s recourse if construction is partial or the bridge is later deemed undesirable, and who would bear removal or indemnity costs. TJPA and Mayor’s Office representatives said the developer is contractually responsible for construction costs and indemnity. Bill White, representing TJPA counsel, confirmed the agreements place financial responsibility on the developer and that the ordinance gives the city the option, not an obligation, to accept title back if problems arise.

Committee member Peskin urged the item be continued so supervisors, TJPA board members, the Parcel F developer and staff could work toward a design that is slimmer, more transparent and provides clearer protections for the city. The committee accepted Supervisor Dorsey’s amendments and then voted to continue the item to the call of the chair to allow follow‑up.

Next steps: The item will return to the committee after further discussions on design and legal protections.

Vote: The committee accepted the amendments and voted (three ayes) to continue the ordinance.