Planning Commission OKs five-year extension for temporary parking lot at 469 Stevenson, urges convening on housing options

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Thursday approved a conditional use authorization allowing a five-year extension of a temporary public parking lot at 469 Stevenson Street.

Lizzie Malle of planning staff said the site currently operates as a 115-space public lot with a 45-square-foot attendant booth and recommended approval as an interim use while the property awaits future development. "The department finds that this project is necessary, desirable, and compatible with the surrounding neighborhood," Malle said during the staff presentation.

David Wu, speaking for Soma Filipinas, urged the commission to continue action and consider city acquisition. "The city should consider purchasing this site for 100% affordable housing," he said, arguing the owner and market conditions have left the entitled housing project without a financing plan.

Commissioners pressed staff and the sponsor on the development timeline and interim uses. Commissioner Braun said she would "rather have housing at the site," but moved to approve the parking-lot extension while adding direction to staff: planning is to convene the property owner, the project sponsor, MOHCD/MOCD and community stakeholders to explore interim uses, opportunities to accelerate housing production, and whether acquisition is practicable.

Planning director Hillis told commissioners staff will arrange the convening and, if necessary, pursue further steps such as a hearing. Staff cautioned that the conditional use authorization is the legally required vehicle for the parking operator to continue operating and that an approval for the lot does not preclude later acquisition or redevelopment negotiations.

The motion to approve, moved by Commissioner Braun and seconded by Vice President Moore, passed unanimously 7-0.

What happens next: staff said it will arrange a meeting among the owner, MOHCD/MOCD, the developer and community stakeholders and report back in a director's report. The approval allows the parking operator to continue operating while those discussions proceed.