The TODCO Group, long-time non-profit housing providers in the Yerba Buena neighborhood, has released their Central SoMa Community Plan. It is intended to be an alternative to the city’s Central Corridor Project. It is based on decades of community building experience in SoMa and involved the many community voices of SoMa. They have created a website at (http://www.todcocentralsomacommunityplan.org) to present their “EIR Draft” Continue reading
Category Archives: planning
Video for folks who don’t think PDR* fits into their San Francisco
from JAMIE WHITAKER
There are manufacturers who actually “make stuff” other than software in San Francisco. Who would’ve thought?!? Click here to watch.
* PDR = Production, distribution and repair, i.e. service and light industrial jobs
Public meeting to discuss Moscone expansion plans
A Yerba Buena neighbor writes that Moscone center is looking to expand and that means they’re asking to take over part of the Children’s Playground (since it sits on top of the building). The meeting is on Tuesday April 16th at 6:00 pm at Moscone Center South, Esplanade Bldg., Room 300. It’s an opportunity to learn about the plans for the expansion. Click here to see the flyer for the event.
It was quite a party
More than a hundred Western SoMa neighbors (and plenty of friends from around the city) showed up last week at the celebration of the adoption of the Western SoMa Community Plan. After eight grueling years of work (and more than a little controversy) it was a lovefest for the neighbors, activists, entertainment industry advocates and small business owners who gathered to hear from Supervisor Jane Kim, former Senior Planner Paul Lord, Planning Department rep Corey Teague and myself.
Michael Nulty sent along a link to his photos of the event.
The Western SoMa Citizens Planning Task Force ceased to exist upon adoption of the Plan. I sent my last email out to the surviving members of the Task Force and in particular to those who helped to get us over the finish line. The message read: Continue reading
Join with the Sierra Club to stop attacks on our Environmental Bill of Rights
OPPOSE: Supervisor Wiener’s CEQA Legislation, which curtails public participation and the ability of public officials to make well-informed decisions.
SUPPORT: bringing Supervisor Kim’s alternative CEQA Legislation to completion—before any legislative action is taken.
TESTIFY: Land-Use Committee, Monday, April 8, 1:30 PM, City Hall Room 263
Agenda: http://sfbos.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=44999
EMAIL: Scott.Wiener@sfgov.org, Jane.Kim@sfgov.org, David.Chiu@sfgov.org
ADD: Your Organization’s Name: Along with the Sierra Club and others, add your organization’s name in opposing the Wiener CEQA Legislation—by emailing brookse32@earthlink.net . Continue reading
Filed under planning, politics, quality of life, social justice
April 2 is a time for Western SoMa to celebrate
I learned late yesterday afternoon that Mayor Ed Lee has signed the four ordinances that enshrine and implement the Western SoMa Community Plan.
For many of us, it has been eight long years of continuous engagement and process. Thanks to all of you for sticking it out. This is a historic model of community planning in partnership with our neighbors, Supervisor Jane Kim and her staff, the Planning Department, the Department of Public Health and the Transportation Authority and the entire city family, as well as with Asian Neighborhood Design, numerous community-based organizations and many other institutions of higher education to create a community-driven vision for building a more complete neighborhood.
Please join us at DNA Pizza, 371 Eleventh Street on Tuesday evening, April 2nd from 6:00pm-8:00pm for a community get-together in celebration of a shared victory. (Special thanks to Barry for hosting us at the DNA)!
Filed under planning
WSoMa Plan passes on final vote
This afternoon, without any further discussion, the Board of Supervisors passed the Western SoMa Community Plan. With Supervisors Mark Farrell and Norman Yee absent, the vote was 8-1. Supervisor Scott Wiener voted against the Plan again. It now goes to Mayor Ed Lee for his signature.
Central Market CBD coming to a neighborhood near you?
The Central Market Community Benefit District (CMCBD) is getting ready to renew and possibly expand its neighborhood services in the greater Central Market and SoMa area. The CBD promises to create a cleaner, safer and more inviting neighborhood.
Learn more about the CMCBD and its neighborhood programs by attending one of two meet and greets, scheduled on March 19 and 27. Hear about the CMCBD’s renewal and proposed expansion of its community services. Meet the CMCBD Board, Staff, Steering Committee, Community Guides, Clean Team and Partners. Continue reading
Filed under art, community services, crime watch, economics, entertainment, events, meetings, open space, planning, public safety, quality of life
We won!!!
The Board of Supervisors voted 10-1 today to adopt the Western SoMa Community Plan, with Supervisor Scott Wiener dissenting. One more vote next week and then the Plan goes to the Mayor for his signature.
Judgment day
The Western SoMa Plan goes to the Board of Supervisors for its first reading today. If approved, it will require a second reading next week and will then be sent on to the Mayor for his signature.
If minor amendments are offered, best case scenario is that there might be a delay of a couple weeks. Worst case scenario, if the amendments involve issues that were not covered in any of the options studied, is that they may require re-opening the EIR for further analysis which could amount to as much as a six month delay. Let’s all hope that any amendments are turned down.
I will be undergoing surgery at Kaiser Santa Clara at the same time this is all playing out. Corey Teague and the Planning Department staff and Supervisor Jane Kim will be representing the Plan. There will be no public comment but your attendance at the Board would be appreciated.
jim
