San Francisco supervisors approve multiple leases, contracts and routine items; 20 Nobles Alley CEQA exemption affirmed

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Nov. 14 adopted a large package of routine and substantive items including zoning and development approvals, contract amendments and grant agreements, and it affirmed a CEQA categorical exemption in a contested appeal on a small North Beach project.

Key approvals and outcomes

- Pier 70 special‑use district and development agreement (items 6–8): The board adopted three ordinances to create a Pier 70 Special Use District and to approve a development agreement for a 28‑acre mixed‑use portion of the Seawall Lot 349/Pier 70 area. The items passed unanimously.

- Landmark designation for 1399 McAllister Street (item 9): The board amended the planning code and designated the property as a landmark; the ordinance passed unanimously on final reading.

- Airport contract modification (item 15): The board approved an amendment to a construction management services contract for the international terminal baggage handling program. Supervisor Ronan recorded a no vote in committee (he said his dissent in committee was to preserve the board's future review rights) but the full board approved the item 10–1 with Ronan in the dissent.

- Wells Fargo ATM lease at domestic terminals (item 16): The board approved a five‑year lease with Wells Fargo for airport ATMs. The item passed 7–4; Supervisors Fewer, Kim, Peskin and Ronan recorded no votes.

- Fiji Airways lease extension (item 17): The board approved terms of a lease and use agreement for Fiji Airways at SFO; the resolution passed unanimously.

- Free City College funding MOU (item 18): The board approved a memorandum of understanding to provide financial support to San Francisco Community College's Free City College program not to exceed approximately $11.2 million through June 30, 2019; passed unanimously.

- Mills Act historical property contracts (items 19–21): The board approved three Mills Act agreements for historic properties; Supervisor Aaron Peskin asked the city attorney to draft language to permit a 10‑year nonrenewal for one parcel; all three items were adopted unanimously.

- Public‑works and Muni contracts (items 10, 11, 12, 13, 15): The board adopted a variety of routine agreements and emergency authorizations, including an emergency Public Utilities Commission declaration for Moccasin powerhouse repairs (item 12) and an amendment to the Muni coach procurement contract (item 13). These measures passed without recorded dissent.

- 20 Nobles Alley CEQA appeal (items 29–32): The board considered an appeal of a planning department categorical exemption for a small North Beach façade and garage alteration project. After presentations and public comment, the board voted to affirm the planning department's categorical exemption for the project (item 30). The exemption determination was affirmed on roll call (6 ayes, 3 noes). The board's decision will allow the project to proceed under the department's existing environmental finding.

Other business

- The board continued items 33–36 (a conditional use authorization and related appeals for a proposed medical cannabis dispensary on Irving Street) to Dec. 5 so the newly filed appeal could be heard together.

- The board adopted a resolution (item 43) urging city departments to prioritize nonprofit providers for city‑funded reentry services; the resolution reflected a unanimous reentry‑council recommendation.

Votes at a glance (selected roll calls from the meeting)

- Item 15 (airport construction management amendment): Adopted 10–1. Ronan: no. - Item 16 (Wells Fargo ATM lease): Adopted 7–4. Nos recorded: Fewer, Kim, Peskin, Ronan. - Item 29–32 (20 Nobles Alley CEQA appeal): Exemption affirmed on item 30 (board action); roll call 6 ayes, 3 noes (Fewer, Kim and Ronan in dissent); motion to continue the appeal failed earlier. - Items 6–8 (Pier 70 ordinances and development agreement): Adopted unanimously. - Items 19–21 (Mills Act contracts): Adopted unanimously with direction to city attorney on one contract's future 10‑year term. - Items 33–36 (Irving Street dispensary conditional use and appeals): Continued to Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m.

Why it matters

The packet combined routine administrative approvals with several items that carry neighborhood and fiscal impacts: airport contract amendments and lease terms affect long‑range capital budgets, the Pier 70 actions shape a major waterfront redevelopment, and the Mills Act agreements change local property tax treatment of historic buildings. The board also addressed a contested planning/environmental review case (20 Nobles Alley) that illustrates how CEQA exemptions function for small‑scale alterations in historic districts.

What to watch next

- Nov. 28: board will re‑take the cannabis regulatory and land‑use files (items 38 and 40). - Dec. 5: conditional use appeals for an Irving Street cannabis dispensary (items 33–36) will be heard together.

Ending

The Nov. 14 meeting combined large development approvals and multiple housekeeping items with several contested policy debates; the board closed the session with routine commendations and memorials. The body will meet again for follow‑up on cannabis regulatory language and neighborhood appeals.