Residents oppose Irving Street housing project over health and contamination concerns

The San Francisco City Council meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on a contentious affordable housing project at 2550 Irving Street, which has faced significant opposition from local residents. The meeting began with public comments highlighting community concerns regarding health risks associated with toxic contamination in the area, specifically the presence of PCE (perchloroethylene) beneath the site.

Residents expressed strong opposition to the project, citing fears over the building's height and the lack of adequate infrastructure to support it. Many speakers emphasized the unresolved issues surrounding toxic parking and contamination, urging the council to prioritize health and safety over development. Jonathan Boonaman, a local advocate, pointed out that District 4 has seen minimal affordable housing development over the past decade, making this project crucial for the community. He argued that state agencies have cleared the project, asserting that allowing the appeal to proceed would violate state housing laws.

Several residents, including Nancy Lee and Nguyen Phuong, voiced their frustrations over the perceived neglect of their concerns by both the developers and city officials. They called for a comprehensive cleanup plan before any construction begins, emphasizing the need for transparency and community trust. Lee questioned why a more thorough cleanup could not be prioritized over temporary solutions like tarps.

Lenny Siegel, Executive Director of the Center for Public Environmental Oversight, echoed these sentiments, warning that failing to address the contamination could endanger both current residents and future occupants of the proposed housing. He urged the council to support the appeal to ensure a thorough investigation of the site.

The meeting concluded with a call for further public comment, but many residents remained dissatisfied with the responses they received. The council's next steps will likely involve addressing the community's health concerns while balancing the urgent need for affordable housing in the district.