Architect Steven Sutro defends project amid dispute over document sharing with Adairs

San Francisco's city council meeting on April 23, 2025, highlighted ongoing challenges in the permit review process for a contentious construction project. The meeting featured discussions surrounding the communication delays and information sharing between the project team and concerned neighbors, particularly regarding shoring calculations critical to the project's structural integrity.

Architect Steven Sutro, representing the project, emphasized that the delays were not due to bad faith but rather the complexities of the review process. He noted that the project had already undergone discretionary review and received unanimous approval at various stages. Sutro argued that the necessary documents, including shoring calculations, were provided promptly once clarity on communication channels was established with the concerned parties.

The council members expressed concern over the timeline of document sharing, particularly the omission of shoring calculations during initial communications. This oversight raised questions about the expectations set during previous meetings, where it was indicated that all relevant documents would be shared with the neighbors. Sutro clarified that while the design was shared, the shoring calculations were not initially included due to their technical nature, and he believed this did not significantly impact the review process.

The discussions underscored the importance of transparent communication in construction projects, especially when community concerns about privacy, light, and air are at stake. As the project moves forward, the council's focus will remain on ensuring that all parties have access to necessary information to facilitate a smoother review process.

Looking ahead, the city council aims to streamline communication protocols to prevent similar issues in future projects, ensuring that community stakeholders are adequately informed and engaged throughout the permit review process.