Fisherman’s Wharf stands at a pivotal moment. Today’s decisions about reimagining the historic waterfront will shape the character of this iconic district for generations. While the Port of San Francisco is currently evaluating a single development concept that seeks to introduce new commercial buildings through an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with a private developer, this once-in-a-century opportunity to create a thriving waterfront of the future deserves careful and thoughtful consideration before permanent, non-reversible changes to the waterfront are made.

 

Because of the scale and visibility of these sites in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf, any long-term development will profoundly influence the Wharf’s character, public access, bay views, and economic vitality. For that reason, planning should occur within a comprehensive and open framework that reflects the long-term interests of the entire Wharf community and the city. Any development of this publicly owned waterfront should ultimately proceed through a transparent public review, comment and bid process that invites a broad range of ideas.