A referendum opposing a redevelopment plan signed by more than 33,000 San Francisco voters has been ruled invalid, angering many who feel that the city is bending rules to appease developers and gentrify their neighborhood.
San Francisco's city attorney has invalidated a referendum signed by more than 33,000 residents opposed to a redevelopment plan they fear would drastically rearrange their neighborhood and its character.
"The plan would put about 1,500 acres in Bayviewâ€"Hunters Point under San Francisco Redevelopment Agency control, set new development standards, and collect all property tax increases into a fund that would go toward projects in the community. Opponents fear the plan would displace current residents and gentrify the area."
The city attorney ruled that those collecting signatures did not provide voters with enough information about the proposed redevelopment plan to allow them to make an informed decision. The plan's main opponents and organizers of the referendum effort claim their method had been approved by city officials and attorneys before collecting signatures. In response, they plan to challenge the ruling.
" 'We expected the city would try to look for a way out, and of course we’re going to fight them in court,' said Willie Ratcliff, the Bayview newspaper publisher who helped fund and coordinate the referendum drive."
FULL STORY: City attorney shuts down redevelopment vote: 30,000 signatures revoked on a legal technicality
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie