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Planning Commission approves contested 2051 Third Street housing project after design revisions
Summary
After extensive public comment over lot‑line windows, shadows and neighborhood fit, the Planning Commission approved Raintree Partners' revised 2051 Third Street project (93 units, 12 on‑site affordable) with conditions; the motion passed unanimously 7–0.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on June 5 approved a large project authorization for 2051 Third Street, a proposed six‑story residential building by Raintree Partners that will add 93 dwelling units (12 affordable), with 74 off‑street parking spaces using a mechanical stacking system.
Staff presentation summarized project changes since prior continuances, emphasizing design responses to neighborhood concerns: reworked massing to align rear yards with adjacent buildings, stepped back northern facades to increase light and air, relocation of elevator and stair cores to the south to reduce shading impacts, expanded mid‑block open space alignment and on‑site bike storage and flexible ground‑floor bays for small retail or maker uses.
The meeting featured extensive public testimony. Longtime neighbors and owners of adjacent lofts at 610 Illinois and surrounding buildings objected to the project’s height, the use of property‑line windows in their buildings, the lack of a mid‑block corridor or setback between buildings, tree removals, and potential shadow impacts to the planned Crane Cove Park. Several speakers described past damage from demolition vibrations and requested stronger construction mitigation and a less intrusive massing.
Proponents — including housing advocates and union representatives — urged the commission to approve the project to add much‑needed housing. The Housing Action Coalition, labor unions and renters’ advocates described the project as consistent with the Eastern Neighborhoods plan and a model of urban infill that will add family‑sized units and job opportunities.
During deliberations commissioners discussed the property‑line window issue (title recordations and building code allowances), parking ratios and the rental‑incentive option that reduces on‑site affordability from 16% to 13% in exchange for a 30‑year rental commitment. Deputy City Attorney Marlena Byrne explained that CEQA findings today incorporate prior findings and feasibility determinations; commissioners asked staff to correct minor typographical errors in the mitigation monitoring and reporting program.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Antonini moved to approve the project with conditions; the motion passed unanimously (7–0). The approval includes required conditions and follow‑up including mitigation measures and coordination on shadow and park issues where applicable.
