Commission continues 350 Ocean Avenue state‑density project to April 14 after exposure and design concerns

The Planning Commission continued action on a 35‑unit state density‑bonus project at 350 Ocean Avenue after commissioners raised questions about unit exposure, open‑space deficits and ground‑floor design.

Planning staff described the proposal as a five‑story building with 35 residential units, 6 permanently affordable on‑site units (approximately 18% of total), 15 off‑street parking spaces and 36 bicycle parking spaces. The sponsor’s architect, Jeremy Schaub, described the parcel, unit mix and measures to reduce shadowing on Balboa Park.

Neighbor Ernesto Fevella, whose family home abuts the site, said excavation and garage placement raised structural and safety concerns and asked that the commission pause the project for more discussion. "My kids' lives aren't worth, you know, being lost over this," Fevella said.

Commissioners debated several technical matters, including whether units facing the rear yard meet exposure requirements, the allocation of ground‑floor open space, transformer siting constrained by PG&E rules and the possibility of converting storage or bike areas to additional units. Vice President Moore said the site "has potential to really fly through" but needs tweaks and additional outreach and moved to continue the item. Commissioner Imperial seconded.

City Attorney Austin Yang advised that Commissioner Diamond, who rejoined after missing part of the hearing, could not vote on matters she missed; the commission adopted the continuance on a 3–2 vote (Commissioners Fung and Tanner opposed). The matter was continued to April 14 to allow the sponsor time to address exposure, transformer and circulation questions and to increase community outreach.

Vote and next steps: The motion to continue passed 3–2. The project sponsor indicated 4–6 weeks would likely be sufficient to address the items requested by commissioners and staff will return the matter to the commission on the continued date.