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Planning Commission approves 94‑unit 100% affordable seniors building at 1296 Shotwell
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a 9‑story, 94‑unit 100% affordable senior housing project at 1296 Shotwell, including an 85‑foot height authorization under the Affordable Housing Bonus Program. The decision followed extensive public testimony from seniors and community advocates and passed unanimously.
A majority of the San Francisco Planning Commission on Dec. 1 approved an Affordable Housing Bonus Program authorization that allows demolition of an existing one‑story building and construction of a new nine‑story, 94‑unit, 100% affordable residential building at 1296 Shotwell Street.
Planning Department staff presented the proposal as a project that would add 94 units for seniors, including 20% of units targeted at formerly homeless seniors and the remainder at or below 50% of area median income. Staff said the project meets the requirements of the planning code for bonuses in height and density and recommended approval with conditions.
The project sponsor, Mission Economic Development Agency (META), with Chinatown Community Development Center as a co‑developer and manager, said the building would include studios and one‑bedroom apartments, case management and on‑site services, community space, roof gardens and no off‑street parking in keeping with the city’s transit‑first policy. Architect Susie Coliver described design moves intended to reduce the perceived height at the street and provide sunlight and usable outdoor spaces.
Supporters filled the hearing room. Dozens of seniors, neighborhood advocates and nonprofit housing groups urged approval, recounting homelessness, eviction and long waits for subsidized housing. “This is what seniors need — permanent and dignified housing,” said several speakers who identified themselves as seniors and neighborhood organizers. Housing advocates and nonprofit developers also told the commission that similar projects have operated successfully without on‑site parking.
Opponents and some neighbors raised concerns about project height, shadowing, parking and traffic. A handful of speakers asked that the commission weigh the project's scale relative to the block and requested further design clarifications. Planning staff and the project team responded with shadow analyses and explained community outreach and design revisions that were made following meetings with neighbors.
After questions and deliberation the commission moved to approve the authorization with conditions. Commissioner Moore moved to approve; the motion was seconded. The record shows the motion passed with a unanimous recorded vote in the meeting transcript.
Next steps: The approval authorizes the zoning exceptions and density/height bonuses under the city’s Affordable Housing Bonus Program. The project will proceed to subsequent permits and condition‑compliance steps required by the Planning Department and other city agencies before construction begins.
