Planning Commission upholds environmental review for Edward II youth housing after hours of testimony

The San Francisco Planning Commission on July 14 upheld the Planning Department ecision that a preliminary mitigated negative declaration (PMND) was adequate for the proposed conversion of the Edward II hotel on Scott Street into affordable group housing for transitional‑age youth. After more than two hours of public testimony, including dozens of neighborhood residents and supporters from housing and youth services groups, the Commission voted to uphold the PMND 5–1.

Andrea Contreras of the Planning Department told the commission the department nalyzed the project—or potential CEQA impacts including historic resources, transportation, air quality, noise, seismicity and public services and concluded the project would not have significant environmental impacts requiring an Environmental Impact Report. Contreras said staff ccounted for the sponsor—stimate of 24 residents and limited overnight guest assumptions in the transportation analysis and that the project would not enlarge the building envelope.

Opponents, represented by attorney Steven Hammond and local neighbors, urged the Commission to order a full EIR, arguing the notice and…