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Board clears Lucky Penny site special‑use district after debate; continuance motion fails
Summary
The Board voted 10‑1 to advance a special‑use‑district ordinance that allows the Lucky Penny site to build 101 housing units and pay an in‑lieu fee for inclusionary housing; a motion to continue the item for one week failed 4‑7 after members requested additional financial documentation.
The Board of Supervisors on April 14 considered an ordinance to create a Special Use District (SUD) allowing redevelopment of the former Lucky Penny site into 101 housing units with a $4.5 million in‑lieu fee for affordable housing rather than providing on‑site inclusionary units.
Sponsor Supervisor Stephanie (who has worked on the site for six years) described months of financial review and meetings with the developer and city economic staff and said she was convinced on that basis that on‑site inclusionary units were not feasible for the project to move forward. Supporters said the project brings housing and jobs to District 2 and that the sponsor had negotiated protections, including a special fund to be held to seek affordable housing nearby.
Opponents, including Supervisor Preston, said they lacked sufficient documented evidence submitted to the Board that on‑site affordable housing is infeasible and moved to continue the matter for one week to review pro‑forma materials and to seek middle‑ground options. The continuance motion failed 4‑7. The Board then voted 10‑1 to pass the ordinance on first reading; Supervisor Preston cast the lone no vote during the final roll call.
Why it matters: The item changes the city’s usual inclusionary housing practice by allowing an in‑lieu fee rather than on‑site affordable units. The City's inclusionary rules generally incentivize on‑site affordability; exceptions that allow fees can be precedent‑setting and drew scrutiny.
What’s next: The ordinance passed first reading and will return for second reading. The sponsor said she would meet with colleagues and make financial materials available during the interim.
