OCII approves Block 9A amendments to clear way for 148 affordable for‑sale homes in Mission Bay

The Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) voted unanimously Feb. 16 to approve amendments that will permit a 148‑unit, 100% affordable homeownership development on Mission Bay Block 9A.

Annie Wong, a development specialist with OCII’s housing team, told commissioners the project is intended to create a “ladder of affordability” for workers who may be ineligible for lower‑income rental programs. The sponsors seek to increase allowed height to 90 feet on portions of the footprint and to amend the 2004 major phase to raise the residential unit count from 62 to 148.

Why it matters: The project is one of the last affordable parcels in Mission Bay and is aimed at households earning roughly 80–110% of area median income (AMI) — a band OCII said will reach teachers, Muni drivers, entry‑level nurses and other middle‑income public workers. OCII staff and the development team said the units will be sold as limited‑equity homeownership opportunities, with pricing and HOA estimates intended to keep long‑term affordability.

Project details and outreach: OCII’s presentation and the development team’s schematics describe a c‑shaped, eight‑story building with an estimated 34 parking spaces (0.23 spaces per unit), 76 bicycle spaces and amenities including a business center, courtyard and multiple community rooms. Sponsors told the commission they plan targeted outreach to certificate‑of‑preference (COP) holders beginning “as early as six months before construction starts” and proposed a concierge service to help COP holders prepare for purchase and financing.

Costs and affordability: The team provided preliminary price ranges and HOA estimates during Q&A. Charmaine Curtis of the development team said one‑bedroom units are expected roughly in the $230,000–$370,000 range; two‑ and three‑bedroom ranges were given but characterized as preliminary. OCII staff and the developers said estimated monthly HOA dues are approximately $420 for one‑bedrooms, about $663 for two‑bedrooms and about $840 for three‑bedrooms; presenters emphasized those figures are initial estimates that will be refined in design development.

Parking and allocation: Commissioners pressed the team on parking given the small supply (34 spaces). The developers said parking will be unbundled from unit sales and offered separately by lottery rank order consistent with OCII preferences; they said staff will study options to prioritize larger households and COP holders while avoiding unintended consequences for seniors and other residents who may need vehicles.

Contracting and local hire: OCII noted selection of a development team following a public RFP and evaluation panel; SFUSD‑style procurement was discussed elsewhere in the meeting but OCII described plans to use public RFQ/RFP processes and to encourage joint ventures so smaller, local firms can participate. For the Mission Bay school item, SFUSD noted project labor agreement goals; for Block 9A OCII staff described outreach commitments to local communities and COP holders.

Votes and next steps: The commission approved item 5C (D4D amendment) on a motion by Vice Chair Rosales, seconded by Commissioner Scott, and item 5D (major phase and schematic design conditional approval) on a motion by Commissioner Scott, seconded by Vice Chair Rosales; both motions passed 4–0 (Brackett, Scott, Rosales, Bustos). Sponsors anticipate returning to OCII for permanent financing approvals and continued review as design development proceeds.

Officials and participants: OCII and the development and design teams — including Charmaine Curtis, Michael Simmons, Deonjay Brookter and designer Malcolm Harris — answered commissioners’ questions about pricing, HOA estimates, parking allocation and outreach. Several members of the public spoke in support of the project; others raised questions about environmental cleanup and public‑trust land history.