Neighbors raise traffic and proximity concerns at pre-application for 329 Bryant tower under SB 423/SB 330

A project team presented a pre-application for 329 Bryant Street at the Jan. 22 Planning Commission hearing, describing a density-bonus residential tower proposed under state laws SB 423 and SB 330. The sponsor said the project would use a 100% density bonus to increase 130 base units to 260 total units, yielding a 33-story building with three stories of below-grade space and three stories of parking with 139 stalls.

Steve Allen of Stanton Architecture presented the project and said it would comply with density-bonus and inclusionary-housing requirements. "It has 130 units," he said of the base program and described the maximum build scenario using the state density bonus.

During public comment nearby residents raised multiple concerns. Sue Bushnell said traffic and parking are already difficult near the Bay Bridge approaches and asked how the project will account for construction impacts and ongoing congestion. Masha Geller, who lives at 301 Bridal, said the proposed tower would stand about 15 feet from her kitchen window and expressed alarm about the project's scale for a parcel she described as less than half an acre.

Commissioners reiterated that, under SB 423 and SB 330, the commission's role at this stage is advisory and that the project will be reviewed for compliance with objective planning-code and state-law requirements through ministerial processes. Commissioners asked the sponsor and staff to refine the project's affordable-unit parity (one commissioner noted the packet appeared to list no deed-restricted 3-bedroom affordable units) and to clarify how the development would operate at ground level and interface with two adjacent historic buildings.

Commissioner feedback also included a suggestion to lower parking ratios to discourage single-occupant vehicle trips where feasible. The hearing was informational; staff has not completed a formal review and the project sponsor said they would consider the commissioners' and neighbors' comments as they refine the proposal.