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City officials and advocates clash over future of industrial land in Eastern Neighborhoods plan
Summary
Planning staff and the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development presented competing visions for the Eastern Neighborhoods: preserve core PDR (production, distribution, repair) lands or allow measured flexibility to attract hybrid 'clean‑tech' and creative firms. Dozens of speakers urged either stronger protections or more flexibility; commissioners asked staff for more data and monitoring tools.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Planning Commission on May 22 heard an extended presentation and an equally lengthy public backlash over the Eastern Neighborhoods plan and how it should treat the city’s remaining industrial (PDR) lands.
Michael Cohen, director of the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, told the commission the office supports the plan’s goal to protect PDR but urged “enough flexibility to allow innovation and growth by newly emerging hybrid companies” that blend office, production and prototype work. Cohen’s team recommended zoning tools such as limiting conventional office by floor in PDR districts, allowing up to 33% accessory office in PDR areas, and creating a narrow “innovative industries” overlay where NAICS/NEXC codes could be used to exclude traditional law‑firm style office uses.
The proposal was framed as a jobs…
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