The goal of this survey was for the SF Planning Commission to hear from the public what types of benefits want to be incorporated into the Central SoMa Plan, with the goal that the plan is approved in late 2016 or early 2017, planning began in 2011. 

There are five goals of the Plan:

• Support transit-oriented growth, particularly workplace growth, in the Central Corridor Area.
• Shape the area’s urban form recognizing both city and neighborhood contexts.
• Maintain the area’s vibrant economic and physical diversity.
• Support growth with improved streets, additional open space, and other elements of "complete communities".
• Create a model of sustainable growth.

Survey Overview:

As part of the survey, the Commission provides you with (1) a downloadable PDF overview of each of the options, here and (2) a 4:18min overview video. The survey itself takes 2 minutes to complete.

The survey will ask you to pick one of the Public Benefits Packages (or make your own) and explain your choice, in the survey these packages are called “Entrees.” There are four (4) packages with a unique mixture of public benefits as part of this survey, all choices are worth $2 Billion (estimated to be the amount of public benefits generated by the Central SoMa Plan, not guaranteed). There is a fifth option to build your own public benefits package if the four options don’t fit what you think will be best of the SoMa.

Basic components of each Public Benefit Package:

• Affordable Housing: 33% of total units
• Complete Streets: Redesign of half of all major streets to be safe and comfortable for people walking and biking Open Space: A new playground; a new Recreation Center; four acres of privately-owned public open space (POPOS)
• (PDR) Production, Distribution, and Repair (including Arts): Public art and/or artist funding from new development
• Schools and Child Care: Funding to meet needs of existing and new residents
• Transit: $280 million investment in maintenance of existing fleet and implementation of the Muni Forward program

The main difference of each Public Benefits Package (all include the basics above):

Entree #1: 40% Affordable Housing, instead of 33% which is the basic amount in the other Packages. Set amount of Open Space: a total of four acres of new recreation amenities (with three acres under the freeway) and support for a five-acre neighborhood park. All complete streets redesign: As opposed to the basic amount that half of the streets will be comfortable for people walking and biking.  Includes an additional $163 million for transit investment.

Entree #2: PDR Protection, including 900,000 sq. ft.  meaning there will be “no net loss” of current protected space. Non Profit & Community Service Space, includes a dedicated 400,000 sq. ft. to house existing non profits and 60,000 sq. ft. of additional space to meet the new population needs. Includes funding to preserve and rehab the Old Mint and 55 other neighborhood historic buildings. Includes an additional $70 million for transit investment.

Entree #3: Environmental Sustainability, includes  the use of 100% renewable energy, the creation of green habitat in new developments for people and wildlife, the greening of the freeway (to support air quality, noise and beautification), improvement in stormwater management, and an investment in protection and adaptation to sea level rise and flooding. Includes an additional $287 million for transit investment. All streets are redesigned to be Complete Streets (comfortable for people walking and biking).

Entree #4: Sampler Platter, all streets are redesigned to be Complete Streets (comfortable for people walking and biking). Environmental Sustainability through energy, water, and waste efficient new buildings, greening of the area around the freeway. Includes funds towards preserving and rehabilitating 55 neighborhood historic buildings. Non Profit & Community Service Space, includes 60,000 sq. ft. of additional space to meet the new population needs. A new one-acre park. An additional $161 million for transit investment. Protects 750,000 sq. ft. of PDR (including Arts).

If you’d like the complete information about the Central SoMa Plan, please review the SF Planning Commission’s website.