Baugh endorses 1 Oak project amidst criticism of affordable housing provisions

The San Francisco Planning Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss the ongoing developments related to the 1 Oak project, a significant housing initiative in the Hayes Valley neighborhood. The meeting featured a range of stakeholders, including community representatives, labor union members, and local activists, each presenting their perspectives on the project’s implications for the community.

Gail Baugh, former president of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of the 1 Oak development, which was initially agreed upon in 2017. Baugh highlighted that the project aims to provide much-needed housing, particularly for marginalized communities, and noted that several commitments from the original agreement remain relevant. These include the construction of affordable housing units, the development of ground-floor retail spaces, and the creation of a public plaza. Baugh stressed the necessity of safe streets and sidewalks to accommodate the influx of new residents.

Following Baugh, Steven Shargotts, a representative from the Carpenters Union Local 22, voiced strong support for the project, underscoring the benefits of using union labor. Shargotts argued that the project would provide healthcare, training, and livable wages for workers, thereby stimulating the local economy. He urged the commission to approve the development, framing it as a positive step for both workers and the community.

In contrast, Ozzie Grama from the San Francisco Land Use Coalition raised concerns about the project's delays and the lack of affordable units being built on-site. Grama criticized the developer for not progressing with the project over the past five years and questioned the community benefits of the proposed additional units, which he argued do not address the pressing housing affordability crisis. He expressed skepticism about the developer's intentions and the potential for real community impact.

The meeting highlighted a clear divide among stakeholders regarding the 1 Oak project. Supporters emphasized its potential to provide housing and economic opportunities, while critics pointed to the absence of on-site affordable units and the need for accountability from the developer. The commission's decision on the project remains pending, with significant implications for the future of housing in San Francisco.