San Francisco Planning Commission Hearing – June 25, 2026

The San Francisco Planning Commission met on June 25, 2026, for a hearing that marked the departure of three long-serving commissioners: Vice President Katherine Moore (20 years), Commissioner Gilbert Williams, and Commissioner Teresa Imperial. The meeting included approval of a continuance and a consent calendar item, followed by extensive farewell tributes, public comment, and review of two draft environmental impact reports (EIRs) and an informational presentation on an SB 423 project. The commission also heard department announcements and general public comment.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – 1601 Delores Street Conditional Use Authorization: Approved unanimously (4–0) on consent without discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment: Over 20 members of the public offered heartfelt thanks and tributes to the departing commissioners. Speakers praised Commissioner Moore for her 20-year tenure, design expertise, and advocacy for community voices; Commissioner Williams for his focus on affordable housing and representing working-class San Franciscans; and Commissioner Imperial for her community-rooted perspective. Many urged the mayor and Board President to quickly fill the three vacant seats.
• Item 6 – Pier 92 EIR: Glenn Phillips (Golden Gate Bird Alliance) expressed support for the project’s enhanced dust control measures, noting the positive impact on adjacent wetlands.
• Item 7 – St. Ignatius Field Lighting EIR: Multiple neighbors (Deborah Brown, Helmut Schmidt, Catherine Howard) criticized the draft EIR, citing errors in lighting and noise studies, inadequate consideration of cumulative impacts on wildlife and residents, and the 90-foot-tall lights operating up to 150 nights per year. They called for revisions to reduce glare, noise, and traffic effects.
• Item 8 – SB 423 Presentation: Demetrius Williams (property owner) spoke in support of the project, emphasizing his commitment to revitalizing the Third Street corridor in Bayview.

Discussion Items

Commission Matters – Farewells to Departing Commissioners

• Vice President Moore: Reflected on 20 years of service, emphasizing the importance of public participation and equitabledevelopment. She thanked staff, fellow commissioners, and the public.
• Commissioner Williams: Thanked staff and community, urged continuance of affordable housing focus, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
• Commissioner Imperial (absent but acknowledged by others): Praised for her detail-oriented questions and community advocacy.
• President Campbell: Read a proclamation honoring Commissioner Moore’s 20-year tenure, noting her review of over 6,000 projects and leadership on the waterfront design committee.
• Director Phillips: Thanked the commissioners and announced department updates (see below).

The commission acknowledged that the departure of all three appointees threatens quorum in September if replacements are not appointed swiftly.

Item 6 – Pier 92 Modernization and Plant Replacement Project (Draft EIR)

• Staff presented the draft EIR for a sand processing facility upgrade at 480 Amador Street (Bayview). The project includes a 63-foot-tall covered warehouse, new dust controls, and a lease expansion from 4.4 to 5.2 acres. Draft EIR found no significant unavoidable impacts.
• Commissioners comment: Williams noted the area’s toxic history and welcomed the air quality improvements; Braun found no issues with the analysis; Vice President Moore praised the thoroughness and asked about non-renewable sand resources; Commissioner Sow thanked staff and highlighted sea-level rise and air quality concerns.
• Public comment period open until July 6, 2026; EIR certification expected in fall 2026.

Item 7 – St. Ignatius Field Lighting Project (Draft EIR)

• Staff presented the draft EIR for continued operation of 90-foot-tall field lights at JB Murphy Field (2001 37th Avenue), including up to 150 evenings of use per year. Draft EIR concluded all impacts less than significant. The project has a litigation history; prior approvals were voided by a court of appeal.
• Commissioners comment: Vice President Moore raised concerns about LED health effects and cumulative impacts; Braun urged robust responses to public comments; Williams noted the lights’ height and urged a compromise between the school and neighbors.
• Public comment period open until July 13, 2026; EIR certification expected in fall 2026.

Item 8 – 5154 Third Street SB 423 Informational Presentation

• Ashkin Richards (architect) presented plans for a three-unit mixed-use building on a vacant lot (1,559 sq ft) in Bayview. The project includes a ground-floor commercial space (434 sq ft) and two-bedroom units above. The sponsor, Demetrius Williams, intends to shift from affordable to market-rate due to financing constraints.
• Commissioners expressed strong support for the infill project, praised the retail activation, and offered minor design suggestions (light well consideration, paint color). No vote was taken; the presentation was informational.

Key Outcomes

• Continuance: Item 9 (871 De Haro Street DR) continued to July 30, 2026, by a 4–0 vote.
• Consent Calendar: Item 1 approved 4–0.
• Pier 92 EIR: Public hearing held; written comments due by July 6, 2026. Responses to comments document expected in fall 2026, followed by certification.
• St. Ignatius Field Lighting EIR: Public hearing held; written comments due by July 13, 2026. Responses to comments document expected in fall 2026, followed by certification.
• SB 423 Project: No action taken; project will proceed through department review.
• Department Announcements: July 3rd permit center closed; July 1st begins phase 2 integration with DBI; July 11th Day of Service with Tenderloin Learning Community.
• Departures: Vice President Moore, Commissioner Williams, and Commissioner Imperial (already rotated off) concluded their terms. The commission faces a potential quorum issue in September if new appointments are not made.