Commission authorizes $440,816 environmental-review contract to study denser affordable housing options in Mission Bay

The Commission on Community Investment and Infrastructure voted 3–0 (one absent) on Nov. 7 to authorize a contract with ICF Jones & Stokes to provide environmental review services related to potential development on Mission Bay South Blocks 4 East and 12 West.

Jose Campos, OCII manager of planning and design review, presented test-fit analyses showing "maximum build envelopes" that could yield up to 538 units on Block 4 East and 442 units on Block 12 West, noting the towers used in the analysis ranged up to about 240 feet. Campos stressed these are study envelopes; actual building heights and unit counts will depend on later predevelopment financial feasibility and entitlement decisions. The CEQA studies will analyze transportation, air quality, noise, wind and shadow effects, and geotechnical issues; OCII scoped the work so it could cover those maximum envelopes but noted that building beyond those envelopes would require further environmental review.

The contract amount before a 10% contingency is $440,816; staff reported SBE subcontractor participation at 31.2% on the consultant team. Commissioners asked community-feedback questions and about wrap-around services for future residents; staff said OCII will return for additional approvals as predevelopment and entitlement work proceeds.

Why it matters: The contract launches environmental work necessary to study denser development scenarios on the agency's last two affordable housing parcels in Mission Bay South and to evaluate how proposed massing would affect surrounding context and services.

Next steps: Staff will confirm project descriptions with the consultant, prepare an initial study checklist and technical studies, and return to the commission with proposed environmental documents and any pre-entitlement approvals as projects advance.