Eastern Neighborhoods Plans Proposed Park Site at 17th and Folsom

A Message from the PUC

February 2014 - Since April, 2013 the SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has been working with the SF Recreation and Park Department to investigate the feasibility of co-locating a wet weather storage basin to manage stormwater at the site of the future park, currently a parking lot on 17th and Folsom Street. This site is in a low-lying part of the city where residents and businesses have experienced floodwater entering their properties.

In the course of evaluating the project and the technical performance of the storage basin, SFPUC determined the project's limited capacity to manage stormwater would not make enough of a beneficial impact locally to justify the high costs to San Francisco ratepayers. The SFPUC has decided not to proceed with the project.

In line with this development, park design and construction are moving forward, with the tentative park opening date scheduled for Summer 2015.

Grant Program

In the short term, to help residents and businesses better manage stormwater, the SFPUC has an innovative grant program that reimburses property owners for installing protective measures on their properties – specifically, up to $6,000 for each flood barrier and up to $2,500 for each plumbing backflow preventer. The grant is available until June 30, 2014 or until funds are exhausted. Renters can work with their landlords to help them take advantage of this opportunity. More information and the application form is available at Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program.

Sewer System Improvement Program

As a longer term measure, the SFPUC is in the first phase of the city-wide Sewer System Improvement Program, a multi-billion dollar upgrade to San Francisco's combined sewer system. This program includes evaluating stormwater issues in each urban watershed. We are committed to assessing our options for helping minimize stormwater issues in the 17th and Folsom neighborhood.

• For more information about the Sewer System Improvement Program or floodwater grants, contact Jean Walsh, SFPUC, at jwalsh@sfwater.org or 415-554-3203.
• For more information about the park at 17th and Folsom, contact Paulina Araica, SF Recreation and Park Department, at Paulina.Araica@sfgov.org or 415-581-2558.