Community Members,

We would like to provide you with an update on the recent meeting regarding the proposed project at 1174 Folsom Street. Below are the key points discussed during the meeting:

• Lack of New Information: Unfortunately, there was no new or different information presented by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) or the Board of Supervisors (BOS).
• Project Inevitability: Despite concerns raised, it appears that this project will proceed regardless. While a legal process might delay it and potentially reduce the success of obtaining $14 million from Homekey, the cost-to-benefit ratio remains a significant concern.
• Changes in Board Membership: Preston replaced Ronen on the Board of Supervisors. The meeting consisted of four members: Preston, Dorsey, Mandelman, and Walton. Although Mendelman pushed back on HSH's track record in previous projects, the vote ultimately went in favor of the project.
• Non-Profit Arguments: The non-profit organizations supporting the project primarily argued that immediate housing is needed, labeled residents against the project as misinformed, and claimed that housing services do not negatively impact neighborhoods.
• Email Communications: Emails sent to the Board were not read during the meeting. We could use this as an opportunity to request that the clerk include these emails for review in future meetings.

Our Key Points Moving Forward:

• Moving forward, our main focal points will be the displacement of functional units contributing to the CBD (35 out of 42 occupied) for Transitional Age Youth (TAYs), the potential negative public relations surrounding the project, exposing any misuse of public funds, and highlighting the concentration of housing in a single neighborhood.
• It is crucial to double down on our stance that we are not against housing, but rather against this specific proposal. Emphasizing this distinction will help convey our concerns effectively.
• Please continue to reach out to the Mayor's office, collaborate with TogetherSF, ActionSF, IdeateSF, and persist in our advocacy.

Here's the recording of the meeting for your reference and encourage you to stay engaged in our collective efforts. 

Additionally, we want to inform you that all three committee members voted in favor of the project. This means it will now proceed to the Board with a "committee recommendation." Typically, when this occurs, there is no further conversation, and the project can pass without a full vote unless a supervisor requests one.

In light of this development, it is important to highlight the stakes involved. Matt Dorsey seems to be taking a gamble, either assuming he doesn't need our support in the next election and that the rest of SoMa will carry him through, or he believes that the project won't have the negative impact we anticipate.

We strongly encourage you to email Dorsey and express your concerns, emphasizing the potential consequences this project may have on our community. Your voice matters, and it is essential to let Dorsey know where we stand and what we expect from our elected representatives.

Email: DorseyStaff@sfgov.org 

Let's continue to amplify our voices and advocate for the well-being and stability of our West SoMa community.