Coming this fall, Richmond’s Harbor Way South will be opening a terminal which will provide 30 minute water commutes to the city of San Francisco. Officials, developers and business owners are excited for the opening of the terminal since it will most likely trigger economic development in the area. Richmond Mayor, Tom Butt believes the opening of the terminal will be an opportunity for the city of Richmond to rid itself of stereotypes that have slowed down economic progress, “Perception is everything”.
However, while the opening of the terminal may significantly boost the city’s economy, many are hesitant about the gentrification that will accompany the economic boom. There are worries that the opening of the ferry will cause tenant displacement in one of the Eat Bay’s more affordable cities since the mode of transportation will entice people to want to move to the area. “If rents go up in certain areas around the ferry, that would cause rents to go up in other parts of Richmond,” said city’s vice mayor, Melvin Willis.
While the shoreline area in Richmond has slowly began to change with the openings of new businesses, the ferry will definitely have a more visible impact in the areas’ economic and housing development.
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Click here for full article from the SF Chronicle.
Civil Code 1927 