San Francisco Public Works Bureau of Landscape Architecture is leading a grant-funded planning effort for a new open space in the SoMa (South of Market) neighborhood. The project site is composed of Caltrans property between 4th Street and 6th Street and Harrison and Bryant streets. The planning effort will result in a concept level design and report.
 

Overall Project Objectives:

• Increase urban tree canopy
• Flood protection
• Heat and air quality improvements
• Safe mobility
• Responsiveness to community needs
• Recreation opportunities

This project site was identified for the creation of new public open space during the development of the 2018 Central SoMa Plan by the San Francisco Planning Department, based on the 2017 AB 857 legislation that facilitates the low-cost lease of state Caltrans property for the use of public opens space. Public Works Bureau of Landscape Architecture has been awarded a grant from the Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program, under the category of climate adaptation. The grant work will investigate the potential of the underutilized right of way between 4th Street and 6th Street, between Harrison and Bryant streets to address SoMa 's (South of Market) flooding, unsafe pedestrian and bike conditions and the urban heat island and air pollution disproportionately affecting this community’s health. Centered on community input, the project will develop a vision for a new open space tailored to the needs of the SoMa residents – one that may include passive and active recreation, community programming and green stormwater infrastructure.