Board approves Transbay plan amendment to allow larger floor plates on Block 2, adding affordable units

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on first reading on January 10 to approve an amendment to the Transbay redevelopment plan that increases maximum floor plate sizes on Block 2 of Zone 1. The amendment allows more developable area above 85 feet without increasing overall height, enabling an estimated 31 additional affordable units for the project known as Block 2.

Kim Obstfeld, senior development specialist at the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII), presented the amendment and project background. Block 2 will be developed as two separately financed and operated buildings: 2 West, by Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC), primarily serving low-income seniors (including formerly homeless seniors), and 2 East, by Mercy Housing, serving low-income families and formerly homeless families. Together the two buildings will provide 335 rental units (151 units in 2 West; 184 units in 2 East). OCII staff described affordability levels for 2 West ranging roughly from 16% to 60% of area median income (AMI) and for 2 East from about 30% to 70% AMI. The 2 East building is expected to include a childcare facility for approximately 45 children and both buildings will provide secured Class 1 bicycle parking and no vehicular parking on site.

The OCII presentation said the requested plan amendment applies to the mid-rise standard in the Transbay redevelopment plan (buildings between 85 and 250 feet). OCII said the amendment makes the design more cost-effective and efficient and would allow for approximately 31 more affordable units on 2 East without increasing the mid-rise building’s overall height.

OCII issued an addendum to the Transbay EIS/EIR that included wind and shadow analyses; the addendum concluded that the revised bulk and height would not create new significant impacts beyond those already examined in the project EIS/EIR. OCII reported the shadow study would add about 0.8% net new shadow on the planned Transbay Block 3 Park. OCII staff said sponsors plan to pursue financing in 2023 and anticipated starting construction on both buildings in February 2024 with completion estimated in February 2026.

Supervisor Mark Dorsey, whose district includes the Transbay site, urged support and noted the project’s endorsements by the Transbay Citizens Advisory Committee, OCII’s commission and the East Cut Community Benefit District. Public comment was called and the board received no callers on the matter; the board then voted to pass the ordinance on first reading by unanimous roll call.

The amendment advances development of two nonprofit-sponsored affordable housing projects and preserves the Transbay plan’s intent to create mixed-income housing with a minimum affordability requirement for the plan area.