Do You Support the Mayor’s Upzoning Plan?

By Doug Comstock : westsideobserver – excerpt

Supervisor Myrna Melgar and challengers Stephen Martin-Pinto and Dr. Edward Yee respond to the Westside Observer.

The zoning map from the Planning Commission of Proposed Upzoning as of February 2024

Mayor Breed has proposed an unprecedented rollback of San Francisco’s height and density limitations that would allow six-eight story buildings in areas previously zoned for one and two-story construction. All three candidates for Supervisor in District 7 have responded.

Supervisor Melgar Responds

I support upzoning commercial and transportation corridors consistent with the SF Housing Element, which was passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors last year.

District 7 must build all kinds of housing to help San Francisco meet its targets, but it must also do it to meet the needs of our own people today and tomorrow. We have a diverse population – we need housing for middle-class folks, and we need low-income housing. We need larger units for families, and we also have an aging population so we need smaller units for seniors. We need housing for students — District 7 is home to SFSU, City College and UCSF Parnassus. This past year we made it much easier for homeowners to add in-law units, up to 3 more units to their single family homes…

“The draft plan that the Planning Department has shared with the public still needs work, and as Chair of the Land Use and Transportation Committee of the Board of Supervisors, I will work to ensure this plan responds to the needs of our district, and meets our commitments by the 2026 deadline…”

Stephen Martin-Pinto Responds:

The plan needs further refinement.

It does not consider limitations of street size, infrastructure, and geologic conditions in many locations. For example, according to the planning department webpage, it shows the 19th Avenue corridor slated for high-rise upzoning between Sloat and Junipero Serra Boulevards, even though the properties indicated are on Stonecrest and Denslowe Drives, two very narrow residential streets inappropriate for high-rise development.

It would be more appropriate to shift this development onto Stonestown, Parkmerced, or San Francisco State University property. The greenbelts on Junipero Serra Boulevard and Brotherhood Way should remain – we have few greenbelts and park neighborhoods in San Francisco, and these should be protected…

“I believe that, with some policy adjustments, we can stabilize and even reduce housing costs in San Francisco. The permitting process for new construction should be audited, and permits that are unclear, unnecessary, and contradictory should be deconflicted and eliminated.”…

These policy adjustments would add to the supply of available housing in the most expedient, least disruptive way, but are not a part of the mayor’s comprehensive housing plan.
Links: Planning Department webpage: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6e0e399f9c82456dbda233eacebc433d/
Well-Resourced methodology: https://www.treasurer.ca.gov/ctcac/opportunity/2024/draft-2024-opportunity-mapping-methodology.pdf
Inconsistent application of well-resourced neighborhoods: https://generalplan.sfplanning.org/images/I1.housing/Well-resourced_Neighborhoods.pdf…

Dr. Edward Yee Responds:

Simply put… doesn’t make financial sense.

Infrastructure needs to be integrated into this zoning plan.

It must be sequentially implemented as one change will cause perturbation and possible unforeseen ripples…

Matt Boschetto Responds:

I believe the upzoning plan has been politically disastrous in District 7. While most West Side residents want to build more housing, they also care deeply about quality of life, neighborhood character, and community voice. For District 7 voters, these priorities are not mutually exclusive and must be balanced thoughtfully. Any plan that overlooks this fact either misunderstands or disregards what many constituents want…

I understand the logic behind upzoning to satisfy the state’s housing mandate. However, the extent of the upzoning has caused significant opposition, hampering progress on housing issues in our district. I firmly believe District 7 can meet its housing goals without compromising our neighborhoods. By focusing on the least contentious and highest probability parcels, we can build more units while preserving community harmony…

Further movement in this direction by leaders more familiar with City Hall politics than market dynamics will only hinder our progress toward a more affordable and abundant housing market. I am committed to bridging this gap and ensuring that District 7 can grow responsibly, maintaining the unique character and quality of life that our residents cherish.”…

This is a special election feature to inform readers in District 7 about the candidates positions. Got a question? Send it to the editor… (more)