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OCII approves amendment extending Block 4 option, names Mercy Housing as affordable partner
Summary
The Commission approved a first amendment to the Block 4 option with F4 Transbay Partners LLC to extend the option term and to accept Mercy Housing as the nonprofit affordable housing partner; staff described a 713-unit project with roughly 347 below‑market units and proposals to increase podium and tower heights; the amendment passed 4–0 with one absence.
The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure voted Sept. 18 to approve a first amendment to the option agreement for Block 4 in the Transbay Redevelopment Project Area, extending the developer’s purchase option and recognizing Mercy Housing as the project’s nonprofit affordable housing partner.
OCII staff presented a non‑binding term sheet negotiated with F4 Transbay Partners LLC that would extend the option term beyond its October 2018 expiration and allow additional administrative extensions by the executive director. Jeff White, OCII housing program manager, told the commission the revised project as proposed would include 713 housing units, of which 347 are identified as below‑market units and 366 as market‑rate. White said the podium will be 100% affordable (191 units) and that the broader Block 4 proposal divides into a podium rental, a market‑rate condo tower and a tower rental component.
"The podium is going to be 100% affordable," White said, adding that financing is expected to rely on tax credit structures with Mercy Housing as a long‑term partner. He noted the term sheet calls for OCII costs to be borne by the developer and includes outreach and workforce contracting commitments.
The term sheet also proposes increases in allowable building heights: podium heights from current 65/85 feet up to 85–150 feet and a tower height increase from 450 feet to 501 feet. White said any increase in height would require a future redevelopment plan amendment and a separate commission approval of schematic design and the DDA (disposition and development agreement).
Commissioners asked about parking, Certificate of Preference (COP) outreach and unit mix. Staff said podium parking would be provided at a 1:4 ratio and that the BMRs within the tower will have parking parity with market‑rate units; staff also explained OCII and the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development maintain a COP list of approximately 900 households for outreach. White estimated the podium’s 191 units could include about 225 children based on comparable projects and said the BMR distribution includes lower‑income and moderate‑income units (transcript figures referenced 140 low‑income and 207 moderate‑income BMRs).
Public comment included support from resident Oscar James and representatives of the developer and Mercy Housing. Commissioners emphasized the need for high‑quality finishes in affordable units, no separate entrances or second‑class treatment for BMR residents, local contracting opportunities and continued outreach to COP holders. Several commissioners said the amendment authorizes continued negotiation, and that final approvals for height changes and the DDA will return to the commission.
A motion to approve the option amendment carried on a roll‑call vote of four ayes, one absent.
Next steps listed by staff include returning for a redevelopment plan amendment to allow off‑site inclusionary units (Parcel F to Block 4 transfer), commission and Board of Supervisors review of that plan amendment, and future commission consideration of schematic design and the DDA.
