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Planning Commission certifies final EIR for Academy of Art University; public and commissioners press AAU on student housing conversions
Summary
The San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously certified the Academy of Art University final EIR on July 28 after a lengthy public comment period. Residents, housing advocates and elected‑officeholders pressed the university to return converted rent‑controlled units and build more student housing; staff and AAU clashed over housing‑demand and transit mitigation conclusions.
The Planning Commission on July 28 certified the final environmental impact report (EIR) for the Academy of Art University project, moving the long‑running review forward while leaving significant policy questions for later hearings. Planning staff recommended certification; after public testimony and debate the commission voted to adopt the staff motion as modified.
The decision clears the way for subsequent, project‑level entitlements but does not itself approve any building permits or planning‑code changes requested by AAU. Chelsea Fordham of the Planning Department told commissioners: "Staff recommends that the Commission adopt the motion before you that certifies the contents of the report are adequate and accurate, and that procedures to…
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