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Commission backs Jewish Home expansion in Excelsior, upholds mitigated negative declaration
Summary
After extensive public testimony both for and against, the commission upheld the Planning Department’s mitigated negative declaration and voted unanimously to recommend approvals of the Jewish Home of San Francisco expansion (general plan and zoning map amendments and conditional use authorization).
The Planning Commission on Aug. 13 voted unanimously to uphold the Planning Department’s preliminary mitigated negative declaration for the Jewish Home of San Francisco and to recommend approval of related general plan, planning code and zoning map amendments and a conditional use authorization.
Planning staff said the project — two new buildings totaling about 265,000 square feet and up to 80 feet tall to provide assisted‑living and memory‑care units and a community program space called “The Square” — would be located on a 9‑acre campus in the Excelsior District. Staff said mitigation measures would address potential traffic, noise, shadow and public‑infrastructure impacts and recommended upholding the PMND.
Neighbors and appellants voiced objections during a three‑hour public comment period, citing concerns about increased traffic, tree removal, shadows, and the change in neighborhood character. Appellants requested a full EIR. Nearby residents and neighborhood groups urged the commission to require stronger planning guarantees, parking mitigation and protections for existing scale.
The project sponsor and supporters said the Jewish Home has served frail elders for more than a century and argued the expansion is necessary to address seismic vulnerabilities, long‑term financial stability and growing demand for senior care. The sponsor noted the project would create new jobs, add neighborhood retail and provide services to non‑residents.
Commissioners who visited the site said they found the department’s environmental responses robust. Commissioner Moore and others praised the applicant’s community outreach and the design changes that staff recommended. The commission first upheld the PMND by roll call and then voted to recommend approvals for the general plan and zoning amendments and the conditional use authorization to the Board of Supervisors. Staff will forward the motions and required findings for Board consideration.
