During the April 24th quarterly meeting and the May 13th Balboa Reservoir Project special meeting, SNA surveyed attendees about their particular concerns about the new housing development. Although this survey indicates local concerns about the project, the most important thing residents can do to be heard and participate in the development process is to attend the public review on June 10, or the online follow-up. Details here.

Among the 56 respondents, the top concern was the effect that the project would have on traffic congestion. Parking issues came second, with open space/park space third.

These ranked concerns were especially pronounced among people living closest to the project, which will be near Phelan and Ocean Avenues. The concerns of those living farther from the site were more mixed. PDF of results and original survey.

In the space for written comments, respondents had many things to say (edited slightly):

• “Traffic on Phelan could get worse, and I drive it almost every day.”
• “Traffic is already severely impacted, given increased traffic on Ocean due to construction the past 5 years. We need solutions that aren’t just getting people out of their cars.”
• “Mitigating CCSF’s parking requirements, including Performing Arts Center and new residential parking. Additional traffic mitigation for Ocean and Phelan.”
• “Public transit impact – Balboa Bart/Muni access needs to be thought out.”
• “The lack of parking for this project.”
• “I think there needs to be access to the Westwood Park neighborhood at least for emergency fire access.”
• “Concerned about filling our streets with congestion.”
• “Park open space first.”
• “City College already a tough place to get through.”
• “We will lose child-friendliness of the neighborhood if it becomes too polluted and congested.”
• “The parking area is used for so much more than cars. Currently, a variety of formal and informal groups, including motorcycle safety classes, marching bands practice, new motorists, youth and adult bicyclists, dog walkers, runners/walkers, hobbyists controlling remote models. TO categorize it as merely a parking lot is inaccurate and removes it from its importance to the surrounding community.”
• “We can adjust to changes in parking and traffic, but we can’t ever get back any open space.”
• “New housing gets built and it connects with other neighborhoods.”
• “How about senior housing?”
• “Most important to me is public transportation.”
• “What happens to all the current parking slots?”
• “Effect on Monterey and surrounding streets.”
• “Concerned about traffic and parking. Really want some open space where family and pets can visit.”
• “Disruption during construction.”
• “Density and its impacts, esp. gridlock on Geneva/Ocean and Phelan.”
• “The combined impacts of this and the Performing Arts Center.”
• “Preservation of views and character of the neighborhood.”
• “Opportunity to make this an informal and spectacular community center.”
• “Traffic concerns are real – during school year and peak periods traffic backups can be up to 10 minutes to move 3-4 blocks.”
• “Why would the City sell off water storage source?”
• “Quality architecture; variety of open spaces; kids play area; dog run; open space for recreation.”
• “Ocean Ave developments have limited character and are expensive.”
• “Lower Detroit St parking will be impacted.”
• “I have five adult professional children none of whom can afford to buy a house in SF.”
• “Density without any plan for transportation, Muni service, or parking.”
• “Parking already bad — free city College tuition may increase enrollment and parking issues.”
• “I want to be sure there is housing that is affordable for all.”