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Planning Commission grants continuances as Academy of Art University settlement talks continue
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission agreed to continue multiple Academy of Art University planning-code and conditional-use items to allow ongoing city–academy settlement discussions, with staff stressing that any settlement must deliver substantial public benefits.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on Sept. 22 agreed to continue several agenda items related to Academy of Art University so staff and the parties could pursue a global settlement.
Zane Gresham of Morrison & Foerster, speaking for the academy, told commissioners the university has been engaged in concentrated settlement talks with the city and that a continuance would facilitate negotiations toward a global resolution. Director Ram said staff supports a continuance so the talks can secure “substantial public benefit” and address policy concerns that are difficult to resolve case-by-case. He said staff will report progress in a closed session in November.
Commissioner Richards moved to approve the continuances and the commission voted to carry the matters to the new dates announced by staff. The continuances apply to multiple planning-code amendments and conditional-use authorizations on the agenda.
The continuance preserves the commission’s ability to review any settlement or revised applications when they are re-noticed. Staff emphasized that continued items will not be repeatedly delayed without demonstrable progress toward a settlement that includes measurable public benefits.
