South City is kicking off deliberations that will determine the fate of the Municipal Services Building, a decommissioned facility that has been the subject of controversial discussions between the city and many residents since the end of last year.
For months, a local group, many donning “Save the MSB” posters, have kept a steady presence at biweekly City Council meetings, imploring local leaders to reopen the building as a senior center. Comments grew tense at times, with some lobbing personal or professional criticisms toward councilmembers and staff.
Among other services, the 64-year-old Municipal Services Building, located on Arroyo Drive, housed several city services and departments for decades, including parks and recreation activities. But such programming shifted to the city’s more expansive Library and Parks and Recreation Center at the end of last year, located across the street from the MSB, after several years of planning and construction.
The Municipal Services Building hasn’t had a dedicated senior center since 2009, but some residents have frequently stated the new center doesn’t offer adequate services or ample parking space for seniors. City Manager Sharon Ranals said another 30 to 40 additional parking spaces will be added to the new center once a nearby housing development is completed, which, like many projects in the current market, has been stalled due to financing. Some residents have also questioned the city’s analysis that the old building’s infrastructure is at risk and would need significant maintenance investment if it were to be operational again.
In 2017, the building was rezoned, opening the possibility for residential development, including below-market-rate housing. No serious discussions for such development ensued, but some public comments have suggested that future housing proposals could be met with significant pushback.
“We’re asking that you please take the MSB out of the housing element … and open this up as an intergenerational community center for everyone,” Cynthia Marcopulos said during the Wednesday, June 26, council meeting.
Housing elements refer to a city’s blueprint documenting how it will zone and plan for its state-mandated housing goals, or Regional Housing Needs Allocation. Between 2023 and 2031, South San Francisco must plan for almost 4,000 new housing units, with 35% designated for low-income households. One resident, Leslie Fong, said she was fond of the Municipal Services Building, but said it’s important to prioritize housing security.
“I love the MSB, but I think the more inclusive solution is to provide people with a place to live, where they can work and also live in the same place,” Leslie Fong said during public comment. “I’m just hoping that you will build more affordable housing, because I do want to stay here.”
The June 26 meeting solidified the decision to begin hosting community discussions on the future of the building, as well as the West Orange Library. The council will take up the matter again at the end of July to finalize a contract with a meeting facilitator.
“This meeting was a long time coming, and I want to apologize that it took that long but I’m glad we are at this point,” Mayor James Coleman said. “Ultimately, we don’t want this building to become blight, and I think that’s what happens when we have closed buildings.”
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