Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Equity And Design topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners press developer on retail loss and separation of affordable units
Summary
Several commissioners said reducing ground‑floor retail and segregating affordable units undermines the 4 Corners vision for a downtown; the developer cited financing constraints and tax‑credit rules requiring separate parcels for subsidy‑eligible affordable housing.
During the study session on the 4 Corners preliminary applications, multiple commissioners voiced concern that the proposals do not deliver the street‑facing retail and integrated affordability envisioned for the Ravenswood 4 Corners area.
Commissioner Monette asked, "how do we get from 35 to 6?" speaking to the drop in ground‑floor retail percentage in the mixed‑use proposal. Commissioner Monette and others said the 2,400 square feet of retail proposed was insufficient to anchor a downtown retail corridor. Commissioner Monette called 2,400 square feet "an abomination to even call mixed use" in the context of the specific plan’s expectations.
Commissioner Hernandez strongly criticized separating market‑rate and affordable units into distinct buildings, saying he found it "almost borderline offensive." The applicant responded that many affordable developments rely on tax‑credit financing requiring financeable, separate parcels to qualify subsidies and that an alternative compliance pathway could be considered and would need City Council approval.
Staff and the developer acknowledged the tension between retail ambitions and feasibility. Amy Chen, the city’s Director of Community and Economic Development, clarified that the updated RBD specific plan expands commercial capacity and that applicants are not precluded from proposing commercial projects under the new plan. The commission asked staff and the applicant to explore tradeoffs, including whether targeted retail could be staged or paired with nearby city‑owned parcels to create more visible public space.
No formal action was taken; the comments will inform the applicant’s next submittal and City Council review.
