Committee OKs amendments to examine air-rights plan over Fire Station 13, requiring feasibility study

A proposal to subdivide the air rights above Fire Station No. 13 at 530 Sansom Street and convey them to the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development moved forward on Monday after the committee accepted amendments requiring a feasibility study before subdivision.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, sponsor of the resolution, said the authorization would allow the Department of Real Estate to subdivide the air parcel so the city could either build housing atop the station or monetize the parcel and use proceeds to fund affordable housing nearby. Peskin noted the idea had been under consideration for more than a decade and mentioned earlier pro formas and related nearby projects. He proposed language clarifying that proceeds could be used to fund 100 percent affordable housing at an identified nearby site (772 Pacific Avenue).

Kate Hartley, acting director of MOHCD, told the committee that building a 100 percent affordable project at the site at a 200-foot height would likely be cost-prohibitive and that selling or transferring the air rights and using proceeds to accelerate construction elsewhere was a realistic alternative. John Updike, Director of Real Estate, said his office would assess feasibility and logistics — including temporary relocation of fire apparatus — and perform market analysis before moving to solicit proposals.

After questions from Supervisor Tang about sequencing, the committee agreed to amendments that explicitly require a feasibility study before subdividing the parcel and authorize examination of temporary relocation options for Station 13 during any construction. The committee then voted to pass the item as amended and forward it to the full Board.

The decision advances study and planning steps but does not authorize final sale, construction contracts, or station relocation. City departments were directed to prepare a feasibility analysis and return findings to the Board.