San Francisco Approves Unanimously Central SoMa Plan with Changes
In a late night, 7-0 vote, on Thursday, May 10th, the San Francisco Planning Commission approved the proposed Central SoMa Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report, setting forth a path for a massive redevelopment and economic potential in the city’s South of Market Street neighborhood. This geography is defined generally on its western portion by 6th Street, on its eastern portion by 2nd Street, on the north by Folsom, Howard and Stevenson Streets and to the south by Townsend Street. The vote now will go in front of the city’s Board of Supervisors, which will vote on the final decision.
The plan, which has crossed a major hurdle, is promising to create 40,000 jobs and add 7,000 new housing units (33 percent of which will be affordable) to the neighborhood and generate $500 million for local and regional transit improvements. Additionally, the Central SoMa Plan will create multiple acres of new and rehabilitated parks and recreation open spaces and will include funding for investments in air quality improvements and green energy programs. It will result in $2 billion in public benefits for the neighborhood while generating $1 billion in revenue for the City’s General Fund, according to a statement from the city.
“I am very proud that the Central SoMa plan sets a new standard for the City with 33 percent affordability throughout and zero loss of any existing arts or manufacturing jobs,” said Supervisor Jane Kim in a statement. “It will be the first new area plan with an eco-district that implements Vision Zero from its inception, designed with robust community benefits such as parks and recreational open spaces for our entire city to enjoy for decades to come.”
The details of the ruling will be made available shortly, and we will update this story accordingly.