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Housing authority votes to submit RAD Blend application to HUD to rebuild Plaza East
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Summary
The Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco voted to authorize submission of a RAD Blend application to HUD for Plaza East, advancing a proposed 755-unit mixed-income redevelopment that guarantees one-for-one replacement of 193 public-housing units and a right to return for residents.
The Housing Authority of the City and County of San Francisco on Aug. 24 authorized its chief executive to finalize and submit a Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) Blend application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Plaza East site.
The vote follows months of resident meetings and outreach. Linda Mason, the authority's general counsel, said the authority is the property owner and therefore "the only party that can submit a RAD Blend application," and presented the item as a request to "finalize and submit the RAD Blend application to HUD." The authority recorded resident meetings on Aug. 1, Aug. 5 and Aug. 8 and hand-delivered resident information notices and flyers as part of its outreach.
Why it matters: A RAD Blend application is intended to secure financing that can support full redevelopment rather than rehabilitation-only work. Presenters emphasized that the submission begins but does not complete a lengthy city approval and environmental-review process that must follow.
What the proposal says: Development consultants described a proposed mixed-income project of 755 units that would include a one-for-one replacement of 193 existing public-housing units. The proposal as presented would add 292 new affordable units (described in the presentation as 64% of new affordable units) and 270 market-rate units (36%). Consultants said market-rate units help generate financing to accelerate replacement housing delivery; one proposed market-rate building would be taller (about 23 stories) so the project can maximize on-site housing and open space while generating revenue for replacement units.
On oversight and future approvals: Ted Conrad of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development cautioned that submitting an application "does not lock us into the project scribe" and that the city's approval process and CEQA environmental impact report (EIR) remain to be completed. He outlined that the EIR for a project of this scale typically takes about two years and could require technical studies on traffic, shadowing and other impacts. Conrad said the application initiates the formal review process but does not constitute final approval from the city, the Board of Supervisors, or the mayor.
Resident protections and commitments: Presenters said the plan would be phased to minimize displacement and guarantee an absolute right to return for existing tenants, and that tenants would continue to pay 30% of income for rent. Staff and legal counsel also said they would include resident feedback as an attachment to the application and provide compiled Q&A responses to residents.
Next steps: Commissioners approved the resolution to submit the application by roll call. Staff said the application will be followed by more detailed project design, environmental review, public comment and additional city approvals. The commission and staff pledged to continue engaging residents as designs and community benefits are refined.
Quote: "This item is requesting approval to finalize and submit the RAD Blend application to HUD," said Linda Mason, general counsel. "Submission begins the process of securing securities that are essential to rebuilding Plaza East," Ted Conrad added, while underscoring that "nothing has been approved. Nothing has been set in stone."
The commission moved the application forward; the formal environmental review and city approvals remain required before any construction or final plan is approved.
