By Evan Borders - KTVU.com

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — San Francisco city officials, the media, and curious tourists witnessed the ribbon cutting of the Jefferson Streetscape Improvement Project along the busy Fisherman’s Wharf.

Since 2006, the San Francisco Planning Department has been working with the Fisherman's Wharf CBD on improvements to the area of Jefferson St. between Hyde and Jones Streets. This public/private partnership has worked together with the community to redesign Fisherman's Wharf for how it is used today. 

The motivation to re-do the street was to address accessibility for the businesses, people and fishermen who work in the neighborhood. They also wanted to make modifications to create a better walking and biking environment for the nearly 40,000 - 75,000 people that visit per day. 

The plan for a redesigned Jefferson Street was split into two phases.  Phase one included the two blocks of Jefferson Street between Hyde and Jones Street.  It received funding from the city and DPW's contractor Bauman Landscaping began construction in January of 2012.  Phase Two will include the blocks from Jones to Powell Street and the FWCBD is currently seeking funding to complete this phase of the project.

Cost for the project currently stands at $4.95 million. The majority of project is funded through the general fund and the remainder from the 2006 State Prop 1B.

For more information, go to NewJeffersonStreet.com.