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Planning Commission approves 63‑unit SoMa project over neighborhood objections about park shadowing
Summary
The commission approved a 63‑unit mixed‑use project near Victoria Manalo Draves Park that drew extensive public opposition over shadow impacts and displacement concerns. The vote was 4–3 after lengthy public testimony from community groups, Rec & Park and the supervisor’s office.
The Planning Commission voted 4–3 to approve a large project authorization and conditional use authorization for a seven‑story, mixed‑use development proposed for merged lots at Folsom and Russ Streets on Dec. 20, 2018, after a multi‑hour hearing dominated by concerns that the project would cast additional shadow on Victoria Manalo Draves (VMD) Park.
Department staff described the project as a 58,719‑sq‑ft mixed‑use building with 63 dwelling units (3 studios, 23 one‑bedrooms and 37 two‑bedrooms), 15 permanently affordable units (25 percent of the project), replacement of four rent‑controlled units in kind, ground‑floor commercial space, and required impact fees and First Source hiring compliance. Staff recommended approval, finding the project consistent with general plan objectives for infill housing in the South of Market area.
Project sponsor Paul Yintorno said the owner had cooperated with the city and neighborhood organizations, that the design reduced prior proposals and that the sponsor had negotiated a tenant package through the Tenderloin Housing Clinic. He said the sponsor will donate $150,000 to Victoria Manalo Draves Park to support park services, fund temporary relocation and provide relocation assistance for existing tenants.
Opponents — including SoMa neighborhood groups, youth and family organizations, Rec & Park supporters and Supervisor Jane Kim’s office — urged denial or changes, arguing that the project would increase shadow hours across the park, harm cultural assets, and set a precedent that could erode already scarce open space in a neighborhood with low per‑capita park acreage. Testimony included detailed accounts of how the park is used by youth, seniors and community groups and referenced Rec & Park’s own review; Rec & Park had voted 4–2 that the project did not cause “significant” impact under the park standard, a point both sides cited.
Commissioners split on how to weigh housing and affordability gains (59 net new units in city inventory, 15 BMR) against park impacts and community concerns. The motion to approve carried 4–3, with Commissioners Moore, Richards and Melgar voting no. The commission adopted large project and conditional use motions and shadow findings as part of the approval, and the zoning administrator took the variance request under advisement. The decision record includes the project’s mitigation measures, replacement housing terms and the park contribution.
The approval is procedural and subject to final administrative conditions; opponents emphasized the limit of local authority to shape future development and raised equity concerns about cumulative impacts in South of Market.
