Planning Commission continues Bayview Hunters Point industrial-code presentation to Jan. 18

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Nov. 9 voted to continue an informational presentation on proposed planning‑code amendments for industrial districts in Bayview Hunters Point to Jan. 18, 2007, after residents urged more outreach and time for businesses and tenants to weigh in.

Residents and community leaders urged the commission to allow more public involvement before the city moves forward. Dorothy Peterson, president of the Shoreview Residents Association, asked the commission to “make sure that the entire community has a say” and warned that area housing designated as affordable could be “markup to market” if outreach is not broadened. Francisco Acosta, a southeast-sector business representative, recommended pushing the item to February and requested notices in languages such as Chinese to reach non-English speakers. Pastor Walker said he believed there had been sufficient hearings and that Dec. 7 would be acceptable, but other speakers and many commissioners favored a later date to ensure broader participation.

Staff told the commission the item is an informational presentation; formal code amendment hearings would follow the initiation process, including newspaper notice and additional public hearings. Commissioners debated whether an informational hearing on Dec. 7 would provide adequate opportunity for input. Several commissioners noted the holidays in December and the redevelopment agency’s parallel schedule. Commissioner Lee moved to continue the presentation; the commission agreed and the item was set for Jan. 18, 2007.

What’s next: The Jan. 18 session remains an informational presentation as scheduled. Staff said any code amendment adoption would follow the city’s initiation and notice procedures before formal action.

Speakers quoted in this article appear in the Planning Commission record and included Dorothy Peterson, Pastor Walker, and Francisco Acosta.