The San Francisco City Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss the proposed development project at Stonestown, which has sparked significant public interest and debate regarding housing affordability and community impact. The meeting featured a range of speakers, including residents, union representatives, and community advocates, who expressed both support and concerns about the project.

The session began with a presentation highlighting the outreach efforts made by Brookfield, the developer, which included walking tours and open houses aimed at gathering community feedback. Supporters of the project emphasized the importance of smart housing and growth, noting that the outreach had been extensive and responsive to community input.

However, several speakers raised serious concerns about Brookfield's track record and the adequacy of the proposed affordable housing commitments. Cynthia Gomez, a research analyst with UnitedHealthcare Local 2, criticized Brookfield for past legal disputes with the city over tax obligations, arguing that the current proposal does not sufficiently address the city's pressing need for affordable housing. Other residents echoed this sentiment, sharing personal stories of the challenges they face in affording housing in San Francisco.

Tiffany Yu, a long-time resident, highlighted the struggles of low-income workers who cannot afford to live in the city, while Shafa, another speaker, pointed out that many residents are forced to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. The call for more affordable housing was a recurring theme, with multiple speakers urging the commission to hold Brookfield accountable for providing a greater percentage of affordable units in the development.

In contrast, some community members expressed support for the project, citing the need for increased housing density in San Francisco. Brian Wheeler, a local volunteer, noted that the project could help meet the city's housing goals and alleviate the current affordability crisis. He emphasized the importance of moving forward with developments like Stonestown to address the housing shortage.

The commission also discussed the financial feasibility of the project, with Ted Conrad from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development explaining that negotiations would aim to exceed the city’s minimum affordable housing requirements. He acknowledged the complexities involved in balancing the need for affordable housing with the financial realities of large-scale development.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners expressed gratitude for the public's engagement and reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the development meets the community's needs. The discussions highlighted the ongoing tension between the demand for new housing and the critical need for affordability in a city grappling with a housing crisis. The commission is expected to continue reviewing the project and its implications for San Francisco's future housing landscape.