San Francisco Planning Commission urged to deny Mosser Hotels amortization extension request

In a recent San Francisco government meeting, community members voiced strong opposition to the Mosser Hotel's request for an amortization extension, highlighting concerns over the deliberate withholding of residential units from the rental market. The Mosser Hotel, which has not marketed its residential rooms since 2010, claims it is nearly impossible to rent these units for 30-day periods. However, speakers at the meeting pointed out that thousands of San Franciscans successfully rent similar Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units, contradicting the hotel's assertions.

David Wu from Soma Filipinas emphasized that the Mosser's claimed investments were primarily in tourist-designated units, not the residential ones that fall under the new rental regulations. He urged the commission to deny the extension, arguing that the Mosser has not demonstrated the hardship that the ordinance aims to address. Other speakers echoed this sentiment, stressing the urgent need for affordable housing in a city facing rising evictions and displacement.

Raymond Castillo, representing Sankem, highlighted the inconsistency in the Mosser's claims, noting that the hotel has kept its residential units off the market while simultaneously claiming a lack of demand. He warned that granting the extension would send a troubling message to landlords about the consequences of withholding housing from those in need.

Community members shared personal stories of housing struggles, reinforcing the argument that the Mosser's refusal to rent residential units is not a market failure but a deliberate choice. Avi from the San Francisco Displacement Coalition pointed out that the law requires the Mosser to rent these units for at least 30 days, and the hotel remains capable of operating its tourist units for revenue.

The meeting underscored the critical need for accountability in the housing market, as residents called for the protection of rent-controlled units and the rejection of the Mosser's application. The outcome of this discussion could have significant implications for the city's ongoing efforts to address housing shortages and support vulnerable populations.