Senate Considers Limit on Presidio Closure

SAN FRANCISCO — A compromise added to a $286-million defense appropriations bill now before the U.S. Senate is increasing the possibility that some military functions could continue at San Francisco’s historic Presidio even after most of it is closed and converted into a national park.

The compromise, approved by the House, would allow the Army to lease back and operate the historic Letterman Army Medical Center, some Army Reserve training facilities, some of the 1,186 houses, its commissary and day-care center.

Skeptics say the bill only authorizes a study of these options and does not require the Army to lease any facilities from the National Park Service, which by law takes possession of the park-like base when the Army departs.