Massive Candlestick/Hunters Point Draft EIR draws hundreds for hours-long Planning Commission hearing

The Planning Commission—s public hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Candlestick Point — Hunters Point Shipyard Phase 2 redevelopment plan drew hundreds of speakers and took the better part of the afternoon and evening on Dec. 17.

Redevelopment and Planning staff summarized the project scope: an approximately 700-acre integrated redevelopment that would ultimately include roughly 10,500 dwelling units across Candlestick and the Hunters Point Shipyard, about 32% of them set aside for below-market affordability; a phased replacement of Alice Griffith public-housing units on a 1-for-1 basis; hundreds of acres of parks and restored open space; and job-generating research-and-development space on the shipyard. Staff explained that the hearing addressed the adequacy and completeness of the Draft EIR under CEQA and that written comments would be accepted through Jan. 12, 2010 per the Redevelopment Commission—s extension.

Public comment covered a wide array of concerns. Dozens of neighborhood residents and community advocates urged more time for review and stronger cleanup requirements, highlighting historical contamination, radiological hotspots and the risk that "capping" contaminated soils could leave long-term hazards, especially given concerns about liquefaction and future sea-level rise. Tribal and cultural representatives urged more thorough consultation with Ohlone descendants and better protection and interpretation of shell-mound sites. Several speakers described local health concerns, including asthma and cancer clusters, and requested independent scientific review of hazardous-materials and air-quality sections.

Labor unions, trade groups and development-rights advocates urged the city to proceed without lengthy delay, arguing the project would provide thousands of construction and permanent jobs, neighborhood-serving retail and large new parklands. Several community organizations and the Shipyard Citizens Advisory Committee said they would continue to work with sponsors to refine mitigation measures but supported moving the environmental process forward.

The Historic Preservation Commission sent a commissioner to read preliminary concerns about the cultural-heritage analysis, requesting clearer identification of historic resources and a stronger preservation alternative. After hours of testimony, Commissioners debated an extension for the written comment period: a motion to extend to Feb. 4 failed; by default, the written comment period will close on Jan. 12 as set by the Redevelopment Commission. Staff will compile public comments and respond in a formal comments-and-responses document to be incorporated in the Final EIR.