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Proposed 26‑unit SRO at Powell Street draws affordability questions from Chinatown leaders
Summary
An informational presentation described a 26‑unit SRO project at 1324–1326 Powell Street that uses the state density bonus to request waivers and three units at 50% AMI; Chinatown Community Development Center urged the developer and commission to reconsider affordability levels given a census tract median household income of about $24,085.
The commission heard an informational presentation Sept. 12 on a proposed six‑story multifamily project at 1324–1326 Powell Street that would replace a two‑story commercial building with 26 single‑room‑occupancy (SRO) dwelling units and ground‑floor commercial space.
Matt Swayze of access architecture, speaking for the sponsor, outlined the design: 26 SRO units over six stories, just over 2,000 square feet of ground‑floor commercial, stepped massing that keeps the street edge at four stories on Powell and an upper stepback, a fifth‑floor shared open space of approximately 750 square feet and solar panels on the roof. The project requests four waivers under the state density bonus: height limit, lot coverage, dwelling‑unit exposure and bulk limits.
Sharon, a community planner with the Chinatown Community Development Center, said the plans fit the neighborhood’s urban form but raised concerns about affordability. She noted that the pre‑application materials show three affordable units at 50% of area median income (AMI) and asked the project team and commission to “reflect on who this development is for.” Sharon cited the census tract median household income of $24,085 (2022 ACS 5‑year estimate) and noted that 50% AMI in 2024 equates to roughly $52,450 for a single person and $59,950 for two people — levels she said are likely unaffordable to many current Chinatown residents and could contribute to displacement.
Project representatives said they are complying with state density‑bonus law and local inclusionary requirements. Matt Loper (project sponsor representative) confirmed the base density at the site is 18 units, that providing three units at 50% AMI enables the project to reach up to 27 units, and that the project proposes 26 units in total. Commissioners reiterated their concern that state minimums may not match neighborhood income realities and flagged the need for community context as ministerial approvals proceed.
This item was informational; no formal action was taken on the Powell Street proposal at the Sept. 12 hearing.
