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Planning Commission Receives Western SoMa Community Plan; Task Force Emphasizes Jobs, Alleys, Transportation and Community Stabilization
Summary
Task force leaders and city staff presented the Western SoMa community plan to the Planning Commission, proposing targeted upzoning on large parcels, expanded residential enclave districts, a transportation-heavy approach including alley improvements, and a community stabilization policy; staff said certification and EIR scheduling is expected early next year.
The Planning Commission spent an extended session receiving an informational presentation on the Western SoMa Community Plan from task force members and city agencies, hearing how the plan would manage growth while preserving South Of Market’s mixed‑use character.
Jim Micco, chair of the Western SoMa Citizens Planning Task Force, opened the presentation by describing a citizen-driven multi‑year process and the task force’s core principle: "preserve and enhance what's already here," including residential alleys, arts uses, and small businesses (Jim Micco). John Elberling and Toby Levy outlined the plan’s zoning approach: creation of residential enclave districts (RED) to protect alleys and a new regional commercial district to concentrate larger regional retail and office growth; the task force proposes selective upzoning along Townsend Street to accommodate a limited amount of Class A office while protecting small businesses elsewhere (John Elberling; Toby Levy).
Tom Radulovich (Livable City) and Chester Fung (San Francisco County Transportation Authority) presented the plan’s transportation element, which they said makes up roughly one quarter of the plan and emphasizes rebalancing the streets for pedestrians, bicycles and transit; recommended measures include mid‑block signalized crossings on long blocks, alley traffic calming and consideration of converting some one‑way streets to two‑way operation to improve transit legibility (Tom Radulovich; Chester Fung).
Megan Weir of the Department of Public Health described the application of the Department’s Healthy Development Measurement Tool to the plan and said DPH’s recommendations were generally incorporated, with particular attention to pedestrian safety, open space and community facility needs (Megan Weir). Paul Lord (Planning Department) explained next steps and said staff expects to return to the commission early next year with an environmental review document (EIR) and associated implementing actions and code amendments (Paul Lord).
Task force presenters repeatedly emphasized community stabilization measures intended to balance affordable housing, job space and market-rate development; the board of supervisors has expressed support for stabilization policies, and the planning department said it will convene a community discussion on the topic in the weeks ahead. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about community benefits on large sites, how the plan treats freight and freeway edges, and how transportation proposals align with the draft Transit Effectiveness Plan. Commissioners expressed broad support for the community‑based process and asked staff to work with the task force on outreach and EIR scheduling.
