Multiple sites slated for housing development are now being turned into charging and storage lots for autonomous vehicles, making housing an unintended victim of the robotaxi revolution.

The growth of autonomous taxis could be contributing to San Francisco’s housing crisis, according to an article by J.K. Dineen in the San Francisco Chronicle.
“From Jackson Square to the Mission to SoMa, some San Francisco property owners are trading in risky, but potentially lucrative, housing developments for the relatively easy money offered by the autonomous vehicle industry’s growing need for fleet charging lots.” Now, hundreds of proposed housing units are being nixed in favor of robotaxi charging lots.
Dineen points out that charging stations are themselves expensive and require a Planning Commission hearing. “For developers looking to make long-term income from AV fleet charging, that level of investment could be worthwhile. But it’s probably not attractive as a temporary use while a builder is waiting for interest rates and construction costs to come down to the level where housing works.” However, in a city where housing development can already be prohibitively expensive, AV charging lots, operated by multi-billion-dollar companies with deep pockets, could become a major competitor for urban real estate.
FULL STORY: Could robotaxis be yet another reason for S.F.’s lack of new housing?

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86
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The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing
The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?
Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments
Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.
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