After 2 years of backlash and scrutiny, a public toilet construction project in San Francisco has opened up and arrived under budget, to the relief of local residents.
Public Bathroom Causes Backlash
Back in 2022, plans to build a public toilet in a San Francisco neighborhood made headlines after the cost of the construction project was estimated at a staggering $1.7 million.
Finished Under Budget
Now, the controversial Noe Valley public toilet is officially open for use – and the cost of construction came in well below the original estimates, to the relief of local constituents and critics.
Celebrations in Noe Valley
Residents of the neighborhood descended on the Noe Valley town square to celebrate the opening of the new restroom, which cost $200,000 to build.
“Our Not $1.7m Bathroom”
“Noe Valley, let’s hear it for our not $1.7m bathroom,” event organizer Leslie Crawford told the crowd, poking fun at the headlines over the past two years that drew negative attention to the project.
Accusation of Wasteful Practises
For years Noe Valley residents have called for a public toilet in the area, but no one was expecting the initially hefty $1.7m price tag. Residents and city taxpayers even called out the state government for wasteful practices.
Celebrations Canceled
The backlash was intense enough that the city had to cancel plans for a public celebration of the project in 2022.
Gavin Newsom Steps In
The furor became so widespread that eventually, the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom had to address the topic, condemning the exorbitant cost of a single 150-square-foot restroom.
Threats to Pull State Funding
“A single, small bathroom should not cost $1.7m,” a spokesman for Newsom told reporters. The Governor’s office then pledged to remove all state funding from the project if a more efficient and affordable construction plan was not drawn up.
A Long and Expensive Process
The outrage also drew attention to the long-winded and incredibly expensive public building process in San Francisco, which requires every project to go through multiple departments before it can be approved.
Recreation and Parks Agency Speaks
The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Agency, which is responsible for the toilet construction, cited this process as the major reason for the project’s hefty costs.
Many Factors Included
They also pointed out the costs of an environmental review, and the cost of construction, as according to the agency San Francisco is the most expensive city in the world to build in.
Not Fully-Funded by Taxpayers
While many assumed that the amount would come straight out of state taxpayer pockets, in the end, this couldn’t be further from the truth, according to the city agency.
Just a “Rough Estimate”
While the $1.7m sum was only a “rough estimate” in the early days of the project, according to a public release from San Francisco Rec and Park, it did not account for expected donations that would significantly lower the cost.
“Budgeting for the Worst-Case Scenario”
“We estimate high — not because we want to spend more money, but because we want to ensure we can deliver projects to communities even if we are hit with unexpected costs,” their statement read. “That means budgeting for the worst-case scenario.”
Significant Donations
Back in January 2023, the city agency confirmed that donations from the Public Restroom Company and Volumetric Building Company would significantly reduce any taxpayer burden from the project.
Savings of $491,000
The companies donated prefabricated restrooms, a trade show toilet, and free installation work. Overall, it allowed “Rec and Park to save approximately $491,000 in design, construction management, and other regulatory and design review costs,” according to the release.
$200,000 After Donations
Daniel Montes, the communications manager for the agency, recently confirmed the final costs for the bathroom, telling reporters it cost just $200,000 after donations.
“Providing Relief for Parkgoers”
“The bathroom has been well received by the Noe Valley community, and we’re happy to finally provide some relief for parkgoers,” Montes added.
A Concerning Reminded
While many residents have applauded the new public restroom, it still serves as a reminder of just how prohibitive public building costs are in the city.
“Everything You Could Want in a Public Toilet”
“But at least we got one,” said Debra Niemann, director of the Noe Valley Association. “It’s beautiful. It’s clean. It’s simple. It’s everything you could want in a public toilet.”
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