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Freedom West 2 draft EIR draws split response; co‑op residents urge certification
Summary
The commission held a public hearing on the Freedom West 2 draft EIR, which staff said found significant unavoidable impacts in several categories; co‑op shareholders urged certification and swift approvals while labor and neighborhood groups stressed mitigation and future conditional-use scrutiny for the proposed hotel.
Planning staff opened a public hearing on the Freedom West 2 draft environmental impact report (DEIR) on Feb. 12. The draft EIR, published Jan. 13, analyzes demolition of the existing Freedom West Homes complex and construction of a multi‑building replacement (up to 15 buildings) with replacement co‑op units, additional residential units, a hotel and community‑serving uses; full buildout was preliminarily scheduled between late 2026 and early 2034.
Staff (Lisa Gibson and Megan Kalpin) told commissioners the DEIR identified significant and unavoidable impacts for historic architectural resources, noise and vibration, air quality and wind; mitigation measures were proposed but the document concluded some impacts would remain significant after mitigation, which is why an EIR was prepared. The DEIR also analyzed alternatives including full and partial preservation, and identified one partial‑preservation alternative as environmentally superior by avoiding historic and certain air‑quality impacts.
Public testimony divided. Co‑op residents and board members (Michelle Brown, Maddie Scott, Richard O’Neil) said the DEIR is thorough and urged the commission to certify the draft EIR and keep the project moving so shareholders can return to replacement co‑op units. They highlighted a community‑led process, a relocation plan guaranteeing returning rights for shareholders and a super‑majority co‑op vote in favor of moving forward.
Labor and trade representatives (Rudy Gonzalez, Building & Construction Trades Council; Jay Anthony Manhivar, Carpenters Union Local 22) praised the CEQA disclosure and mitigation approach and urged disciplined implementation, noting contractors’ experience with construction noise and vibration controls and pointing to union job opportunities from a large redevelopment and restoration program.
Unite Here Local 2 (Cynthia Gomez) urged closer scrutiny of the hotel element—citing local hiring, affordability, commuting and parking concerns—and said the conditional‑use phase will require careful review. Commissioners commended the DEIR’s thoroughness and requested follow‑up on how oral histories and interpretive programs (mitigation measures for historic resources) will be presented and preserved as durable public artifacts.
The hearing accepted verbal comments for the administrative record; staff noted written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2026, and responses are expected to be published in summer 2026 with subsequent certification and approvals to follow.
