There is one main problem with trying to accommodate more people into San Francisco: residents don’t want any additional neighbors. Many such NIMBYs will state that new housing should be built away from them, typically in the Downtown and SOMA areas. After all, it is closer to most jobs, many towers already exist, and it’s the densest part of our city. The reason they’re wrong? New dwelling units built downtown easily break $1 million, while units in The Sunset go for half of that, with southern regions being even more affordable. This policy has added greatly to the dearth of affordable housing.
What is it that makes certain areas of the city less attractive? Certainly it’s not solely distance. Neighborhoods such as West Portal and the Outer Mission are bustling commercial centers, despite their distance. The easiest argument is that these areas are less exciting, perhaps even less ‘San Franciscan’. After all, the reason many of us live here is for the feeling as much as anything else. The Sunset is famous for its constant grid, and relentless monotony. Instead of accepting that certain areas might be less desirable, why not try to bring them in line with our dreams and expectations? Perhaps if we focused on re-creating the western regions, we might be able to build more units and attract more residents.
Sunset District, Robert Campbell Photography
My architecture firm has had no shortage of interest from builders in the outer regions of The Sunset, Portola, Excelsior, etc. Fairly often we are confronted by two concerns – the unit cost will be low, so have to design differently; and neighbors don’t want us to build any denser, or to change their neighborhood. Even if we start with a empty lot, or a blighted building, the adjacent residents often want to maintain the status quo.
This of course is a bit of a chicken and the egg conundrum. Do we try to rezone certain areas to encourage a build out, or do we try other planning efforts to draw people to the neighborhood – thus increasing rents/purchase prices – and incentive to developers. The exciting point is that the Sunset is basically a blank slate, with which we can try several ideas. Already the density along Taraval is increasing, and Ocean Ave is getting a much needed rezoning in Balboa Park. I’m advocating a much more sweeping plan, but I think we need more neighborhood outreach. The idea is ruined unless we can get resident buy in. After all, the height limit is 40′ through most of the city, but you rarely see that.
With increased investment in the outer regions, we can easily add housing for many, many more people. This increase in available housing, particularly in a family environment, is much needed in San Francisco. Any additional housing will increase the competition for tenants, and help reduce the rent prices we all struggle with. So, instead of looking to Oakland or Daly City, look West towards affordability!
Comments
Leave a Reply
Ondrae on 08.03.2009
I’ve heard from folks that the various neighborhood groups from the west side of the city combine like Voltron anytime there is talk of upzoning anything west of Twin Peaks.
What was the last big planning or development that happened out there? SF State and Park Merced?
njudah on 08.03.2009
“relentless monotony”?
once again, the stereotype rears its head.
well played. not based in any real fact (the sunset is more diverse than some white hipster bulls**t neighborhood) but hey, it works.
Pedestrianist on 08.03.2009
I’ll let you take your own heat from fog-addled west-siders for the ‘blank slate’ comment.
But I agree about the need for better transit-oriented zoning along the three light rail lines we have running down these suburban streets.
Admin on 08.13.2009
My comment on the monotony was merely related to the built form of the neighborhoods. I know that many different cultures have vibrant communities in many areas of the city.