Alice Griffith project plans new 4 and 5 bedroom units for larger families

The recent San Francisco government meeting focused on significant developments in affordable housing, particularly the addition of larger family units in the city’s housing projects. The discussion highlighted plans to incorporate 4 and 5-bedroom units into the ongoing Alice Griffith redevelopment project, which aims to replace public housing units lost in the area. This initiative is in response to a growing demand for larger living spaces, as many applicants are from multi-generational families.

The meeting revealed that the current housing strategy is designed to meet community redevelopment laws, ensuring that the new units replicate the previous mix of housing types. Officials noted that the need for larger units has become evident, as many households seeking housing are larger than initially anticipated.

However, the meeting also addressed concerns regarding parking availability. The design team proposed increasing parking spaces to 42, but staff recommended maintaining the current number at 28 due to budget constraints and the potential reduction in childcare space. This decision has raised questions about the adequacy of parking for larger families, especially those with multiple vehicles.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the upcoming changes to the Ellis Act housing preference, which aims to expand housing access for families. Further discussions on this topic are expected in September.

The involvement of local firms, including a woman-owned architecture firm, was also highlighted, with plans to select an associate architect soon. Overall, the meeting underscored the city’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of larger families while navigating budgetary and logistical challenges.