Committee endorses Sue Lee’s return to Planning Commission, forwards nomination to full Board

Marilyn (Sue) Lee addressed the Rules Committee and asked for reappointment to the Planning Commission. She referenced prior service as one of the inaugural Prop D appointees and said restoring public confidence in the department remains a priority.

Supporters from neighborhood groups, housing advocates and preservationists urged the committee to forward her nomination. Marsha Garland (North Beach Chamber of Commerce) called Sue Lee “an absolutely upstanding woman,” Tim Cohen of the Housing Action Coalition praised her professionalism and capacity to find consensus on housing, and multiple speakers cited her architecture and historic-preservation expertise and community outreach.

Speakers also emphasized due process, balanced judgment and willingness to dig into project details. Judy Berkowitz (speaking as an individual) said Lee “listened” and visited project sites; other witnesses highlighted her record of engaging both merchants and residents and attention to historic context.

Supervisor Sean Ellsburn recommended moving Item 3 forward with the committee’s recommendation and tabling Item 4; the committee approved that disposition. The nomination will be reported to the full Board with a committee recommendation for confirmation.