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Planning Commission releases Transit Center District Plan draft, flags height, public‑realm and funding options
Summary
Planning Department released the Transit Center District Plan draft for public review, proposing increased density near the Transbay Terminal, new public spaces including a plaza at Second and Howard, rooftop park concepts, and potential funding tools including a Mello‑Roos special tax or impact fees.
The Planning Department announced the public release of the Transit Center District Plan draft and outlined a public review and hearings process. Joshua Switzke, planning staff, told commissioners the draft fulfills a central element of the city’s downtown plan and focuses growth around the Transbay Terminal. "This plan fulfills a major element of the city's renowned downtown plan," Switzke said.
Key recommendations highlighted include removing some density caps, increasing height limits above the current 550‑foot maximum in parts of the district, a comprehensive set of urban design controls to shape skyline and street‑level character, widened sidewalks and new public spaces such as a plaza at the northeast corner of Second and Howard and a half‑acre roof park above the transit center. The plan also recommends transportation measures to manage travel demand including limiting parking supply, dedicated transit space on streets, commute incentives and pricing mechanisms to reduce auto trips.
Staff said the draft EIR is expected roughly mid next year and that final hearings on adoption are currently anticipated in the fall with subsequent actions into early 2010. Switzke encouraged commissioners and the public to review the draft and suggested staff will propose hearing topics (economics, heights, transportation) in the coming months.
Public commenters praised the plan’s ambition while urging caution. Ernestine Wiese expressed support and Sue Hester urged attention to shifting downtown employment and transit patterns, noting changes since the downtown plan’s 1985 adoption. Commissioners discussed privately operated commuter shuttle buses and regional transportation shifts affecting plan assumptions.
Staff will post the draft online and provide printed and CD copies at the Planning Department and public libraries; further hearings and focused sessions will be scheduled to solicit public comment and to shape the environmental review.
