Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Central Subway topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission backs special‑use district to allow demolition for Chinatown station
Summary
The commission recommended approval of a planning code text and map amendment establishing a Chinatown Transit Station Special Use District to allow demolition of the mixed‑use building at 935–949 Stockton so SFMTA can proceed with the Central Subway Chinatown station; the vote was unanimous with staff technical modifications.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a planning code text and map amendment establishing the Chinatown Transit Station Special Use District (SUD) at 935–949 Stockton Street, allowing demolition of the existing mixed‑use building to accommodate the Central Subway Chinatown station.
Planning staff said the SUD is necessary because the Chinatown Residential Neighborhood Commercial District otherwise prohibits demolition of residential units; the proposed SUD would allow demolition without concurrent review and approval of a replacement building because SFMTA must work on an accelerated schedule. Staff outlined three technical amendments to the introduced ordinance to correct cross‑references and to ensure required planning findings would be made.
SFMTA and the Board President’s office expressed strong support. John Funge of SFMTA described the schedule for mobilization and said tenants have been relocated or offered relocation assistance under approved plans; SFMTA committed $8 million toward off‑site affordable housing to offset loss of 18 rent‑controlled units. Community groups involved in relocation planning also told the commission they support moving the transit project forward while preserving tenant assistance.
The commission approved the text and map amendments with staff modifications and forwarded the recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
Next steps: The Board of Supervisors will consider the ordinance and map amendment and, if adopted, SFMTA will proceed with demolition and construction sequencing under the relocation plan and environmental approvals.
