High Density Housing Element Overruled

"The decision Friday by the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco was a victory for neighborhood organizations, mostly in the western part of the city, that formed San Franciscans for Livable Neighborhoods to challenge the housing element of the city's general plan. They argued that the proposal would concentrate development in their areas and cause overcrowding."

"City officials said the plan contained only minor differences from the 1990 revision and did not require an environmental impact report, a conclusion that a Superior Court judge accepted in December 2005. The appeals court disagreed."

"Some provisions of the 2004 document 'reflect a shift away from preserving existing housing density and a movement toward allowing denser housing development and decreased off-street parking,' the three-judge panel said."

"That, in turn, could lead to increased traffic congestion, air pollution and noise and a change in the "aesthetic quality'' of neighborhoods, the court said."