SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — San Francisco Supervisor Mark Farrell is behind a plan to create the city’s first digital centralized notification system designed to alert residents about significant construction projects in their neighborhood.
“In the technology capital of the world, San Francisco residents should have advance access to significant decisions or projects that may impact their neighborhood,” said Supervisor Mark Farrell. “The neighborhood notification system I am creating will be a one-stop shop online for any City resident who wants to be more informed about their neighborhood – from the development project next-door, to whether their regular Muni stop is being moved to a different location.”
During Tuesday’s San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting, Farrell plans to introduce his proposal which would direct the city’s 311 Customer Service Center to develop the notification system.
Under his Neighborhood Notification Act, the city would send out email and other electronic alerts to residents about construction projects and permitting decisions that may impact their neighborhood.
Farrell says he has consistently heard from constituents asking about how they can be better notified regarding significant decisions and projects that are happening where they live. Currently, people must either call 311 or contact other city departments to request more information about a specific decision or project, according to Farrell’s office. And often city notices are only available to access in-person or through standard mail.
Farrell says the notification system would be in addition to, rather than in place of, other city official noticing requirements to ensure that residents who do not have access to the internet can still receive notices.
The supervisor says the system will be established in two-phases. The first phase will be the creation of a website where the public can find information on city projects and permitting decisions in each district.
The second phase will be the creation of a system where the city sends out, on a periodic basis, e-mail or other electronic notifications regarding significant projects and permitting decisions from the website.
Farrell says his legislation will sit for the required 30-day hold and will then be scheduled to be heard in committee in early fall after the Board of Supervisors returns from its August recess.