A press conference to announce a “state budget win” for construction of a public restroom in San Francisco was abruptly canceled October 19 after the San Francisco Chronicle reported that the restroom – a 150-square-foot facility that will house a single toilet – will cost taxpayers $1.7 million and won’t be completed until 2025.
NBC Bay Area reported October 19 that the cost is higher than the $1.3 million median price for a home in the city.
NBC Bay Area noted that for many years, the city has contracted with a private firm that provides public restrooms at no cost to the taxpayers. In fact, the taxpayers benefit from the arrangement, as the private firm sells advertising space on the restroom structures and gives a percentage of the revenue to the city.