Port Commission Meeting - October 7, 2025

The Port Commission meeting on October 7, 2025, covered routine approvals, public testimony on lease issues, and comprehensive updates on waterfront projects including economic vitality initiatives, resilience programs, and the Fisherman's Wharf revitalization. Executive Director Elaine Forbes presented her final report before retirement, highlighting achievements and transition plans.

Consent Calendar

• Unanimous approval of five items: acceptance of Mission Bay Park Improvements (Resolution 2563), approval of the Central Embarcadero Safety Project (Resolution 2564), and authorizations for construction contracts for Pier 80 roof replacement, Pier 80 improvements, and Pier 40 East Apron Repair (Resolutions 2565-2567).

Public Comments & Testimony

• The family representing Pier 23 Cafe expressed support for revised lease terms, requesting a 5% percentage rent, a true-up mechanism for overpayments, and a lease extension to ensure business continuity. They highlighted historical overpayments and pandemic-era sacrifices.
• David Lewis, a pedicab driver, expressed support for the Central Embarcadero Safety Project but requested wider gaps in barriers for pedicab access and modifications to bike lane regulations to improve safety and usability.
• During the Fisherman's Wharf discussion, public commenters included: Rodney (a local business owner) who expressed concern about the project's pace and advocated for world-class solutions; a representative from A. Sabella Seafoods who expressed support for the project's acknowledgment of the fishing industry; Taran Hoppy (CBD board member) who expressed support but frustration with timing and desired faster activation; and Sarah Bates (Crab Boat Owners Association) who requested maintained engagement with the fishing community.

Discussion Items

• Executive Director's Report: Elaine Forbes summarized key accomplishments, including the successful Portola Music Festival (70,000 attendees, $1M revenue), new restaurants like Hayati and Via Aurelia, a 12% increase in cruise passengers, Fleet Week updates, equity initiatives, and construction progress on Fisherman's Wharf Forward and Crane Cove Park. Commissioners commended the report, discussed art installations, wellness awards, and transition plans.
• Waterfront Resilience Contract Amendment (Item 11A): Staff requested approval to increase the CH2M Hill contract by $500,000 for the Waterfront Resilience Program. Commissioners discussed funding and congressional approval, and the item was approved unanimously.
• Parking Facilities Management RFP (Item 12A): Staff sought authorization to advertise an RFP for professional parking management services to improve efficiency and revenue. Commissioners supported the item, and it was approved unanimously.
• Fisherman's Wharf Revitalization Update (Item 12B): An informational presentation highlighted design changes based on community feedback, such as eliminating short-term rentals, improving view corridors, and proposing a phase zero activation with a family-friendly beverage garden. Commissioners discussed the project's complexity, community engagement, and the need for balanced progress.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar items approved unanimously.
• Item 11A approved: Contract amendment for CH2M Hill increased by $500,000.
• Item 12A approved: Authorization to advertise RFP for parking facilities management.
• New business added: Executive Director Elaine Forbes to prepare a lessons learned report on resilience, economic vitality, and real estate; future hearing requested on promenade safety related to bike lanes.
• Meeting adjourned in memory of Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, a Tuskegee Airman.