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Planning Commission backs Mint Plaza pedestrian conversion, citing public‑private financing and design
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously found that the Jesse Street/Mint Plaza design conforms with the general plan and planning priority policies, advancing a proposal to convert a 290‑foot block of Jesse Street into a publicly owned plaza funded by a Mello‑Roos community facilities district and developer contributions.
The commission unanimously adopted a resolution finding the proposed Mint Plaza (a 290‑foot conversion of Jesse Street to a pedestrian plaza near the Old U.S. Mint) consistent with the general plan and planning priorities, after hearing a combined staff and project sponsor presentation and public support from neighborhood and civic groups.
Planning staff described sustainable design elements that would be integrated into the plaza, including a uniform flush pedestrian surface, landscaping that captures stormwater for on‑site treatment, movable seating, and a linear arbor on the north edge to frame active cafés and retail. The department reported an environmental review (Mitigated Negative Declaration) that found no significant traffic, transit, or parking impacts and asked the commission to adopt a general plan conformance resolution so the project can proceed to the required multi‑agency hearings.
Michael Yarny of the Martin Building Company presented the design and financing plan, saying the capital would come from a small Mello‑Roos Community Facilities District and developer open‑space fees; he said maintenance will be funded by a community benefits district and additional fundraising. Yarny said the sponsor had held two well‑attended community workshops and coordinated with city agencies and the Old Mint restoration project.
Speakers from Livable City, Senior Action Network, the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society, the Bicycle Coalition and local businesses praised the design and the financing model. The commission’s motion to adopt the staff resolution passed unanimously.
What happens next: The project will move forward to multi‑agency hearings (including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Department of Public Works) and then to the Board of Supervisors for the street closure ordinance and Mello‑Roos formation.
Key quote: Dan Sider (planning staff) summarized the project and next steps: "The proposed plaza would be designed with elements that include a uniform and flush pedestrian surface that will remain free of permanent fixtures at its center in order to promote a space that functions as a public living room."
