Planning Commission approves Broadway mixed-use project over objections from SRO advocates

After hours of testimony from neighbors, preservation and tenant advocates, and community organizations, the San Francisco Planning Commission approved the proposed redevelopment of 425 Broadway by a 4-2 vote at its Dec. 16 meeting.

The sponsor’s team presented a plan to replace a 144-space surface parking lot with two mixed-use buildings containing 42 dwelling units (up from 34 through the state density bonus), including six on‑site below‑market-rate units, ground-floor retail, several small office suites and 17 vehicle parking spaces. As part of late revisions the sponsor enlarged two light wells that adjoin a neighboring SRO at 401 Broadway and added a coin-operated laundromat with public access from Verdi Alley. The sponsor also offered $20,000 in subsidies to help nearby SRO residents use the laundromat.

Opponents — including SRO tenants, the Chinatown Community Development Center, neighborhood advocacy groups and the Telegraph Hill Dwellers — urged commissioners to reject the concession permitting an oversized office suite, to do more to preserve low-income housing in the Broadway corridor and to question whether the project’s outreach had meaningfully reached the most-impacted residents. Theresa Flandrick, a neighborhood resident, argued the project showed "total disregard for the community" and urged preserving the site for fully affordable housing.

Project supporters and housing advocates, including the Housing Action Coalition and local residents, said the plan replaces underutilized parking with housing, adds BMRs, and activates a pedestrian alley. Supporters highlighted transit access, bike parking and the site’s potential to spur local retail activity.

Commissioners questioned operational details about the laundromat and whether the office space would contribute to gentrification near Chinatown. Deputy city attorney Kristen Jensen recommended including the laundromat commitment in the preamble findings so the record reflected the sponsor’s public statement. Commissioners DiMon, Chan, Diamond and Fung voted to approve the project with conditions; Commissioners Imperial and Moore voted no. The motion passed 4-2.