The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, focused on a significant new affordable housing initiative in Chinatown. The meeting began with discussions surrounding a proposed special use district (SUD) aimed at facilitating the development of 175 affordable housing units specifically for extremely low-income seniors. This initiative marks the first new affordable housing project in Chinatown in many years, addressing a critical need in a neighborhood where a substantial portion of residents live below the poverty line.

Supervisor Peskin highlighted the importance of this project, emphasizing its dual purpose: to provide housing for seniors to age in place within their community and to preserve the New Asia Banquet Hall, a vital cultural and social hub for local residents. The project has garnered unanimous support from the Planning Commission and community members, reflecting a collective effort to enhance the neighborhood's housing landscape while maintaining its cultural heritage.

Sheila Nicholas, director of policy and legislative affairs at the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), expressed support for the proposed height increase of the new building, which will allow for greater density and affordability. The MOHCD has already committed over $7 million for the project's predevelopment and adjacent property acquisition, with hopes for construction to begin within the next three to five years.

Public comments reinforced the urgency and significance of the project. Alan Lowe, representing the Chinatown Community Development Center, described it as the most important project in Chinatown in over four decades, emphasizing the desperate need for affordable housing for seniors. Sharon Lai, a longtime community member, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the cultural importance of the banquet hall and the opportunity to revitalize community spaces.

The meeting concluded with a call for public support, as community members urged the supervisors to approve the SUD, recognizing it as a unique opportunity to address housing needs while fostering cultural preservation in Chinatown. The next steps involve further discussions and potential amendments before the proposal moves forward to the full board for consideration.