The Central SoMa Plan took more than seven years of planning and debate to approve. A new lawsuit, expected to be just the first of many, threatens to erase all that work.
"A nonprofit housing group has filed the first of what is expected to be several lawsuits challenging the rezoning of San Francisco’s Central South of Market area," reports J.K. Dineen.
San Francisco approved the Central SoMa Plan in November and again in December, laying the groundwork for 7,000 housing units and 6 million square feet of office uses, enough space for about 39,000 jobs.
The lawsuit by the Yerba Buena Neighborhood Consortium alleges that the plan's environmental review "didn’t take into account the impact the neighborhood changes would have on public services such as police, fire and recreation," explains Dineen. "In addition, the lawsuit claims that the environmental study neglected to analyze the potential 'grave earthquake dangers' that exist in the Central SoMa neighborhood, much of which is built on fill."
FULL STORY: Lawsuit filed challenging San Francisco’s new Central SoMa zoning plan
Planning via Zoom: Legal Scrutiny for Pandemic Realities in New York City
The question of whether a public review process conducted by Zoom is sufficient to approve a sweeping rezoning plan is a matter of no small legal concern in New York City.
Lawsuit Challenges Zoom Hearings on Gowanus Rezoning Plan
Planning departments relying on online public hearing processes will want to keep monitor this lawsuit in New York City.
San Francisco Approved an Expanded Central SoMa Plan
The Central SoMa Plan, which sets development goals for a key swath of Downtown San Francisco, got bigger as it moved through a lengthy approval process.
How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning
An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.
Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs
When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.
Why Aren’t There More Bollards in US Cities?
Solid barriers, like the dormant ones in New Orleans, are commonly used to improve road safety in Europe. Why not here?
E-diggers Pave Way for Cleaner, Greener, Quieter London
London power workers are trialing zero-emission electric diggers that remove more than 200 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 75% of noise pollution from their work in the capital.
While California Fires Burn On, Residents Take on Rent Gouging
Residents have already seen online listings skyrocketing in price—despite laws against such hikes. With fires still raging, LA and Pasadena tenants are demanding protections against rent raises and eviction.
San Diego Housing Assistance, Homelessness Programs Facing Major Cuts
Programs supported by federal and state programs are on the brink of losing funding, putting thousands of homeless and at-risk residents in jeopardy.
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.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
M-NCPPC Prince George's County Planning Department
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service