SAN FRANCISCO—Today, San Francisco Assemblywoman Fiona Ma issued the following statement on the proposed Chinatown/North Beach campus of the City College of San Francisco:

I recognize the need for a new Chinatown/North Beach campus of the City College of San Francisco and wholeheartedly support the construction of a new campus.  I am a strong supporter of community colleges and I believe it is very important to meet the education needs of immigrant students which comprise the student body of the Chinatown/North Beach campus. Below is a list of my concerns.

1.      A new campus needs to be in keeping with the unique character of Chinatown.  Chinatown is a low-rise neighborhood in which 75 percent of the buildings are three stories or fewer.

2.      It is my understanding that the College first proposed a budget of $38 million for the campus, but their cost estimate for a high-rise is now $122 million.  This also concerns me on behalf of taxpayers, since we must spend bond money wisely.

3.      Many members of the community have been concerned over the years about the Financial District spilling over into the adjacent neighborhoods, and this building is a prime example of high-rise growth jumping the pre-determined boundary of Washington Street. Furthermore, this building will introduce new shadows onto Portsmouth Square Park, which is clearly prohibited under San Francisco planning regulations, while blocking air and light to nearby homes and businesses, including the tenants of the International Hotel.

4.      It is my understanding that there are a number of possible community impacts that a new campus would have on the Chinatown community.  These impacts include the environment, parking, traffic, congestion, public safety and garbage due to the additional number of students. 

It would be beneficial if the College would work to find a compromise solution of multiple low to mid-rise buildings as originally planned, and to work with the community and all interested stakeholders to achieve the best possible campus for everyone.