San Francisco is set to move forward with the construction of 2,550 affordable housing units at 2550 Irving Street, following the issuance of a crucial permit. This project, which has been in development for over three years, aims to provide essential housing and services for low-income residents in the West Side, promoting equitable access to opportunities within the city.

The approval comes despite ongoing objections from the neighborhood group, the MSNA, which has raised concerns about the project's scale and its fit within the community. The MSNA has also been involved in active litigation regarding these issues. However, city officials assert that the concerns have been thoroughly addressed through extensive public hearings and environmental assessments. The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has conducted three public meetings, and the board has held approximately 12 hours of hearings, reviewing hundreds of pages of materials submitted by the MSNA.

Experts have concluded that the site at 2550 Irving is not a source of PCE, a chemical of concern raised by the MSNA. This determination follows rigorous testing and investigation, reinforcing the city's commitment to ensuring the safety and viability of the project.

As construction begins, the city anticipates that this development will significantly contribute to alleviating the affordable housing crisis, providing much-needed homes for those in need. The successful completion of this project will mark another step in San Francisco's ongoing efforts to enhance housing accessibility and support its diverse community.