Carmen Chu:Please Pardon Our Dust

Over the next few months and years, we will be making some significant improvements to our streets, parks, libraries and recreation centers. While you might have to face some temporary inconveniences, we are sure the results will help improve the quality of life in our district.

This is an exciting time in the Sunset as we are finally getting the attention our neighborhood needs and deserves. Working with our community, city departments, the mayor and other members of the SF Board of Supervisors, we have been able to move forward significant plans to improve our neighborhood.

The neighborhood has been working toward rebuilding Sava Pool since 1999 and now we are close to the completion of this project. Before construction began, Sava Pool was the busiest pool in San Francisco, but because it was not of standard length the pool could not be used for swimming competitions. Taking advantage of the need to improve the structurally unsound building, Sava Pool will be configured to meet standard short-course regulations.

I have no doubt that the newly-rebuilt Sava Pool will once again be one of the best pools in the City.

One of the most frequent complaints I hear about is the condition of our streets. I am pleased to tell you that relief is on the way.

Over the next few months, we will be repaving Noriega Street and Lincoln Way. We will be working with neighbors and the SF Department of Public Works to make sure these projects move along quickly and smoothly.

Next year, both the Parkside and Ortega branch libraries will undergo significant renovations. At the Ortega Library we will be creating a completely new library with a large reading area, distinct children's and teen spaces, and a program room for community meetings and events. It will have the largest community room of any of the new neighborhood libraries.

The Parkside Library will be made seismically safe, fully accessible and given a technological update. In meetings with neighbors, it was made clear that we need to protect and enhance the unique character of this important neighborhood symbol. Improvements will include a small addition that not harm the character of the building.

Making sure we have clean, safe parks and recreational opportunities for children and their families is vital to our neighborhood. One reason many families chose to leave San Francisco is the lack of modern, clean and safe parks and recreational facilities. That is why I have been working to improve both McCoppin Square and Sunset Playground. Due to our community and our office advocating for our parks, we were able to secure $5.3 million for McCoppin and $13.7 million for Sunset. Planning is well under way.

McCoppin improvements will begin in the fall and construction is expected to be completed by July 2011. Sunset Playground construction will begin in spring 2010 and completion is expected by January 2012.

Improvements to the parks include the repair and renovation of children's play areas, fields and courts, restoration of existing roads and pathways, upgrades to irrigation and lighting systems, modifications to the site to remove barriers and improve accessibility, and overall reconditioning of the park landscapes.

The hard-working families of the Sunset and Parkside districts deserve high-quality recreation facilities, clean safe parks, modern libraries and well-maintained roads. Along with public safety, these are basic city services and the issues I focus on as your representative at City Hall.

Supervisor Carmen Chu represents District 4.