Board unanimously approves Potrero and Sunnydale HOPE SF redevelopment agreements and zoning changes

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Jan. 24 unanimously adopted a set of ordinances and resolutions that clear the way for the Potrero and Sunnydale portions of the city’s HOPE SF public‑housing revitalization program.

The package (items 26–35) included general‑plan amendments, new special‑use zoning districts, zoning map changes, approval of development agreements between the city and the housing authority’s selected development teams, and resolutions authorizing master development agreements. The board passed the entire package in a single roll call with unanimous support.

Nut graf: City leaders and housing advocates said the actions approve multi‑phase redevelopment plans designed to replace aging, substandard public housing with mixed‑income communities and related neighborhood amenities while guaranteeing the right to return for existing residents. Supporters said investment will improve living conditions, public safety and access to services.

Supervisor Cohen, who represents District 10 and sponsored the measures, framed the package as an effort to transform communities and protect current residents. "I've seen how new integrated units at Hunters View have transformed the lives of public‑housing residents and have increased public safety as well as public health and the health and vitality of the entire community as a whole," she told the board. Cohen and other supervisors said the projects will be built without displacing current households and will include community facilities, early‑education space and long‑term affordability commitments.

City staff and housing authority representatives told the board the actions reflect long negotiations to preserve affordability and to secure financing and construction timelines. Barbara Smith of the San Francisco Housing Authority and staff from the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development participated in the hearings; Supervisor Safaie, Supervisor Yee and others publicly commended staff and the development teams for community outreach and protections for residents.

What passed: The board approved amendments to the general plan and planning code that create project‑specific special‑use districts for Potrero and Sunnydale, zoning map changes, development agreements between the housing authority and master developers, and resolutions authorizing master development agreements and related findings under CEQA. The package also ratified prior approvals and found the actions consistent with environmental determinations and required findings.

Public comment: The hearing included multiple supervisors' remarks of support and thanks to community organizations, nonprofit partners and construction trades. Supporters emphasized no net displacement and the opportunity to replace temporary wartime housing stock that has deteriorated over many decades.

Next steps: With the board’s adoption the HOPE SF implementation teams can proceed with the development agreements and related pre‑development work. Construction schedules and financing matters will be coordinated by the housing authority and returned to the board as required for future approvals and contract actions.

Votes and formal actions at a glance: - Items 26–35 (Potrero HOPE SF and Sunnydale HOPE SF package — ordinances, zoning changes, development agreements and master development authorizations): passed unanimously (11 ayes).

Ending: The board’s action moves two long‑planned public‑housing redevelopment efforts into implementation, with supervisors and nonprofit partners stressing the projects’ role in improving living conditions and preserving long‑term affordability for current residents.