Critics Say Proposed SF Waterfront Condos May Threaten Sewer System
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) — Opponents to new condominiums near San Francisco's Ferry Building said the development could threaten the city's sewer system. Meanwhile, a report from an outside engineer hired by the San Francisco Public Utilities raises questions about risks involving the 8 Washington project.
The project, which would be located on Washington and The Embarcadero, includes more than 130 residential units along with restaurants and retail shops.
Internal city documents show that luxury condominiums could aversely affect the city's sewers, which are now being replaced near Washington and Drumm Streets, in the event of an earthquake.
Critics Say Proposed SF Waterfront Condo Could Threaten City's Sewer System
"First of all the findings are not complete. This is a draft study that was leaked to Mr. [Jon]Golinger by somebody in the PUC [Public Utilities Commission] department," said PJ Johnston of the San Francisco Waterfront Partners, which is developing 8 Washington.
Jon Golinger, campaign director for No Wall on the Waterfront, said the findings are serious.
"The timing's fishy because voters are scheduled to weigh in, in November. There's no reason for any aspect of this project to be rammed through City Hall right now. Everything should be on hold," he said.
Johnston said the project has been seven years in the making and that the developers have been involved in the seismic study.
The San Francisco PUC has approved sewer easements for the project. A referendum on the height of the project will be decided by voters in November.
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