Public Divided Over Proposed Warriors Arena On SF Waterfront
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - San Francisco's Planning Commission on Thursday gave the public an opportunity to weigh in on the proposal to build the Golden State Warriors' Arena at Piers 30-32. Reaction ranged from unbridled enthusiasm to serious concerns.
The bulk of the opposition came from South Beach residents who live within blocks of the piers where the arena would be built. They worry about blocked views and congestion and accuse team brass of being secretive about the plan.
"It's an egregious design that doesn't need to be on the waterfront," implored one man.
"They proposed to build a billion dollar project down there but for some reason they can't show the neighbors what's really coming," said a woman at the mic.
Public Remains Divided Over Proposed SF Waterfront Warriors Arena
Among the supporters to speak were members of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and construction workers.
"We now have the opportunity to develop a world class arena on a site that the city and the port has tried to find a use for for decades," one man said.
"It's a wonderful project," said another. "I'm so excited that we're going to have basketball back in San Francisco again."
According to the Chamber of Commerce, 60% of residents they polled welcome the arena.
The hearing was strictly informational in nature, but the Commission did call on the team to produce more information on the impact of everything from sea level, views and traffic to lighting on the Bay Bridge.
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