Statement on the Port’s Waterfront Walk Brick Program December 5, 2013
Statement on the Port’s Waterfront Walk Brick Program December 5, 2013
The Port of San Francisco is setting the record straight in regard to misinformation that is being spread on social media about the Waterfront Walk Brick Program for the new public park at Piers 27-29 (also known as the “Brick Program” or “Pilot Donor Recognition Program”).
For 150 years, the Port of San Francisco has welcomed the world to its waterfront. Now, local residents and businesses can be part of that effort through a new and unique program that allows citizens to welcome the world to the City’s newest public park and Waterfront Walk at Pier 27-29 adjacent to the new James R. Herman Cruise Terminal. Helping fund the park is a campaign by which personalized bricks are purchased online at www.sfportbricks.com When the new park at Piers 27-29 opens in fall 2014, the Waterfront Walk will be a major feature of the design with two sizes of bricks available for purchase: 4 inches by 8 inches ($150) and 8 inches by 8 inches ($300). The purchase is tax-deductible.
As outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding agreement among the Port, the City and the America’s Cup Organizing Committee (ACOC) funds generated by the Brick Program will be used to defray Port-related expenses associated with the America’s Cup event. This program has been fully vetted through a public process and approved by the San Francisco Port Commission.
FACTS:
• All net funds being raised for the Brick Program must be allocated to costs related to the America’s Cup Event venue site that directly benefit the Port. Consistent with the State Charter, revenues generated by the Port shall be used for public trust assets.
• Funds raised by the Brick Program will be used to pay for public amenities at the new 2.5 acre park at Piers 27-29, which are not funded by the $17 million 2012 General Obligation Bond proceeds.
• Brick Program revenues will be used to cover capital and operational expenses on Port property associated with preparing for the 34th America’s Cup event, such as the $1.6 million spent on substructure improvements at Pier 29.
• The Brick Program reflects a strategy seen at several other general obligation bond-funded facilities within the City; due to legal limitation on the use of such bond funds under state law, equipment and furnishings must be paid from other sources.
• An example of a similar program is the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, which has a partnership with the nonprofit San Francisco Parks Alliance to administer donor recognition assets within San Francisco’s parks with donations enhancing parks and recreation centers in the City. The new Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Legion of Honor and the de young Museum are among cultural institutions utilizing similar programs to attract funders.
• The Waterfront Walk Brick Program offers the public a way to support the newest waterfront park, while commemorating their name or message on a legacy project for years to come.
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Media Contact: Renée Dunn Martin, (415) 274-0488 or Email: Renee.martin@sfport.com