Residents oppose apartment expansion threatening courtyards in San Francisco's Upper Chinatown

Residents of San Francisco's Upper Chinatown are rallying against proposed developments that threaten their cherished communal spaces. During a recent city meeting, community members voiced their concerns about landlords seeking to eliminate backyards and courtyards to make way for new apartment buildings.

Missus Lee, a long-time resident, emphasized the importance of these open areas for social gatherings and fresh air. "The backyard is very important for us," she stated, highlighting how it serves as a vital space for community interaction and relaxation. Lee also noted the troubling trend of evictions linked to these development projects, urging city officials to halt such initiatives.

David Teder, a civil engineer, echoed these sentiments, advocating for the preservation of quiet communal spaces that foster community ties. "I understand the value of a quiet communal space for both personal relaxation and building community," he said, supporting the Upper Chinatown Neighborhood Association's request for a discretionary review of the proposed encroachment.

Winston Tseng, a research professor at UC Berkeley, added that stable populations and open spaces are crucial for neighborhood health and cultural capital. He pointed out that these informal spaces have historically provided refuge and safety, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they became essential for community gatherings and support against rising anti-Asian hate incidents.

The collective voices of residents underscore a deep commitment to preserving the cultural fabric of Upper Chinatown. As discussions continue, community members remain hopeful that their concerns will lead to a reevaluation of development plans that threaten their way of life.