What People Are Saying

"The single most important and innovative aspect of this project is the opening of pedestrian access from Jackson Street to the waterfront through the creation of a 'commons,' which is intended to be broadly publicly accessible at all times."

"We have reconnected the Bay to the Embarcadero. Now we need to reconnect the Embarcadero to the City. A thread of carefully planned, appropriately scaled and well designed buildings, parks and open spaces along the south side of the Embarcadero will accomplish this. An Embarcadero framed with outstanding architecture and pleasing public open spaces along both sides will surely become one of the grand boulevards of the world."

"I believe the increase in public open space this project will provide is critical to ensuring the long-term livability and neighborhood vitality of this portion of the waterfront. I am pleased to see a proposal that recognizes and accommodates the need for significant park space associated with new development. As San Francisco continues to become more dense and urban infill projects are designed in conjunction with the reality of more people living here, it is critical that new park development is a priority."

After carefulreview, and after seeing how the project has been revised in response to neighborhood concerns, I believe the 8 Washington project will have a positive impact in the neighborhood. Since the Central Freeway came down, the Embarcadero has become a vibrant lifeline to the Bay. However, residents of Chinatown have not had the access to the Embarcadero that its proximity and history would presume. the land side of the Embarcadero, where the project is proposed, has long been under-used, access has not been user friendly. The proposed project will bring vibrancy and foot traffic to the area, enhancing the area for everyone. In addition, Chinatown residents, many living in single room occupancy hotels with few options for park and open space will find the proposed new dedicated open space and recreation amenities a godsend. Seniors and families with children will find their way down Jackson Street and Pacific Avenue to take advantage of the open space and playground, and have easier access to the Embarcadero.

8 Washington serves San Franciscans by creatively re-using a small surface parking lot and private tennis courts to build pedestrian walkways, ground level restaurants, dense, attractive urban housing on busy transit lines, and a new public park and children's playground. San Francisco NOW supports city planning that makes our City healthier for families, especially for children and adolescents.  In this area that was once home to an elevated freeway, we now have the Ferry Building, the Farmer's Market and a walkable Embarcadero.  The 8 Washington project completes this renewal.

"The residential nature of the project can only help stabilize the neighborhood's residential character, bringing activity to the Embarcadero that currently occurs only during working hours. We see this as an important ingredient to the stability and growth of our markets on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday."

"This project provides an excellent model of generating publicly-accessible open space that will also be maintained at no cost to the public. This may be the only way outside of Redevelopment Area projects that we will be able to fill the gaps in our system and provide the needs of new neighborhoods as well."

"The proposed mixed-use project at 8 Washington has great potential to contribute to SFHAC's mission of increasing the supply of well-located housing that conforms to good urban design principles and meets the needs of present and future San Franciscans, while also revitalizing the Embarcadero and reconnecting the waterfront to its adjacent neighborhoods."

"After considering the merits of the project... North Beach Neighbors is in support of the project... we believe that the net increase in total recreational space will have a positive impact on this portion of the city."

"Not only would (the 8 Washington Street project) provide necessary parking for the neighborhood and our customers, I believe having additional cafes, restaurants and other retail would truly anchor this waterfront as a neighborhood showcasing some of the best that San Francisco has to offer."

"Everybody wins with the 8 Washington. The project will continue the revitalization of the waterfront. It will increase public open space and reconnect the City to the waterfront while at the same time providing high density mixed use. 8 Washington is exactly the type of progressive project this City needs."

"Development of underground parking on Seawall Lot 351 will support the WETA terminal expansion project by providing replacement parking, while at the same time providing much needed revenue for the Port of San Francisco. It is truly a win-win project, benefiting both the emergency response preparedness needs of the region as well as the Port and Ferry Building patrons."

"I believe that the opening up of Jackson Street to the waterfront and the proposal to reconfigure the Golden Gateway Tennis and Swim Club will be a great improvement and will ensure its sustainability over the long term."

"The project will improve bicycling along the Embarcadero. The current bike lane is discontinuous, and the high traffic speeds and volumes along the Embarcadero discourage many cyclists from using the bike lanes at all."

"As a fellow waterfront neighbor, Port tenant and business owner, I am cognizant of the parking shortage on the Embarcadero and I am pleased to see that the proposed project incorporates an underground parking garage for the Ferry Building, which currently houses our newest line - The Ferry Building Line."

"As a resident of the Golden Gateway Apartments, I have reviewed the proposal for the new development at 8 Washington Street and I find that it would greatly enhance our neighborhood. Not only would it would provide necessary parking for the neighborhood, specifically enhancing the viability of the Ferry Building merchants and the Farmer's Market, but it would also provide additional street level retail, thus, providing a safer and more livable community. As currently configured, the private tennis club isolates the rest of the neighborhood, blocking off views and foot traffic to the waterfront."

"By emphasizing the bicycle amenities in the design of this development, a small but significant contribution is being made to make the future of our city more sustainable and enjoyable to live in."

"As the waterfront neighborhoods become more established as places where residents can not just live, but enjoy recreation, shop and have access to transit, I believe your project will be a positive addition. In particular, your plans to open Jackson Street and turn what is currently private space, into a commons for all San Franciscans to enjoy, as well as the improvements for pedestrian access, will be a welcome addition, and you have my support."

"As a Golden Gateway resident, naturally I'm concerned about the future of our waterfront neighborhood: The Tennis & Swim Club needs an update, the green-ivy fence along the Embarcadero isn't an attraction, and lack of proper use of space (parking lot on Washington/Embarcadero) is troubling. The 8 Washington project, in my opinion, will attract residents who will require quality services - something this neighborhood desperately needs."

"As a resident of Telegraph Hill for over 40 years, I want nothing but the best for my neighborhood. The existing parking lot and chain link fence at the foot of Washington Street does not enhance or expand the public use of our waterfront. 8 Washington will provide nearby residents and those from across the city public access to all the benefits and open space the Embarcadero and waterfront offer."