Construction begins to transform SF's Candlestick Park; to be redeveloped to waterfront homes

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A massive redevelopment years in the making is finally moving forward at the former home of the San Francisco 49ers and San Francisco Giants.

City leaders broke ground on Wednesday on the first phase of a new Candlestick Point with housing for all income levels.

It's been more than a decade since the Niners last played a game here at Candlestick Park. And now the construction is officially underway for a site that could bring more than 7,000 homes to this area.

"San Francisco needs these homes," said Mayor Daniel Lurie.

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But for a community that has been hearing about this project for years, the groundbreaking came with a message.

"Keep your word. Finish what has started!," said Dr. Veronica Hunnicutt, chair at Hunters Point Shipyard Citizens Advisory Committee.

The massive redevelopment will eventually transform 270 acres along San Francisco's southeast waterfront to include homes, shops, restaurants and more than 100 acres of parks and open space.

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About 40% of the planned housing will be affordable, and advocates want to ensure Bayview residents are prioritized first.

"When this housing is built, we will make sure that they get an opportunity to be present," said Dr. Hunnicutt.

The groundbreaking, a project decades in the making.

"We are not breaking anything, but we are building something today," said Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi.

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Speaker Emerita Pelosi tells ABC7 Eyewitness News political reporter Monica Madden, the next test is follow-through.

"What do you think the federal government's role should be? Just making sure that this project actually continues," Madden asked.

"Accountability is very important," Speaker Emerita Pelosi said.

Pelosi is pointing to the neighboring Hunter's Point shipyard as a cautionary tale, after falsified testing data cast doubt on a federal clean up.

"Transparency. So we can see what's going on. And again, holding members responsible for not getting the job done," she said.

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Officials stressing Candlestick is a separate site without the same contamination concerns.

"This neighborhood has wanted this project to continue, and now they're seeing the beginning of a restart," said Thor Koslofsky, executive director, Office of Community Investment.

The first phase of this project is going to be infrastructure work, taking about two years with the completion depending on timing and market conditions.