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Planning Commission Upholds PMND for Two Affordable Housing Buildings at 88 Broadway
Summary
The commission upheld the planning department’s preliminary mitigated negative declaration for a two‑building, 178‑unit affordable housing proposal at 88 Broadway after hearing project sponsor presentations and mostly supportive neighborhood testimony.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on March 8 voted to uphold the planning department’s preliminary mitigated negative declaration (PMND) for a proposed redevelopment at 88 Broadway in North Beach that would replace two surface parking lots with two buildings containing a total of 178 dwelling units, including a mix of affordable units and services.
Planning staff told the commission that the PMND and initial study adequately analyzed cumulative transportation and other environmental topics, including projects within a quarter‑mile radius, and that no substantial evidence in the appeal demonstrated a need for an environmental impact report. Staff recommended upholding the PMND and proceeding with the entitlement schedule, with an adoption hearing to follow the required notice period.
John Stewart of the John Stewart Company and Marie DeBoer of Bridge Housing, the project co‑general partners, described three years of extensive outreach (more than 20 public meetings), a mixed‑income and mixed‑use program that includes senior housing, formerly homeless units, a childcare center to be operated by the YMCA, and on‑site social services provided by Lutheran Social Services.
Representatives from neighborhood associations including the Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association and North Beach Neighbors spoke in support, citing sensitivity to massing, setbacks and the need for the significant affordable housing this project would deliver in District 3. Mission YIMBY also urged timely approval to add desperately needed units to the pipeline.
An appeal filed by Mark Bruno of the St. Vincent de Paul conference at St. Peter and Paul Church argued the PMND had not adequately analyzed cumulative transportation impacts; staff said the analysis included the projects identified by the appellant and that the PMND found impacts would be less than significant.
Commissioners questioned parking displacement and design details but generally agreed the PMND’s analytic approach was adequate. Commissioner Richards moved to uphold the PMND; the motion carried and the commission recorded the vote as unanimous in favor.
