Mission moratorium supporters promise fight

Supporters of the proposed Mission District Housing Moratorium have vowed to continue the fight against the construction of luxury housing and displacement of longtime residents despite falling short at the polls in Tuesday’s election.

The Committee to Save the Mission, known also as the “Yes on Prop I” group, is continuing their calls for affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization despite a defeat at the polls.

Proposition I proposed pausing the construction of market-rate housing in the Mission District for 18 months while requiring the City to work with the community to create a Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

The Committee to Save the Mission stated that their grassroots campaign was a success in that it united the Mission District “in pursuing affordable housing and rejecting the hyper-gentrifying impacts of luxury development.”

Gabriel Medina, policy manager at the Mission Economic Development Agency and campaign manager for Proposition I, said in a statement released Tuesday:

“Last night’s vote shows that despite the outcome, as San Franciscans we have the knowledge and the capacity to lead the planning efforts for our neighborhoods. We will not be ‘sold out’ by the City to luxury developers — we will not allow our families to be displaced.”

Joe Arellano, spokesman for a proposed housing development at 1979 Mission St. and an opponent of the Mission Moratorium, released a statement Tuesday, saying that San Franciscans:

“… sent a clear message that building housing is the answer to the housing crisis.”

He said the developer remains committed to the completion of 1979 Mission St. and they are proceeding with the planning process.

An advocacy group called the Plaza 16 Coalition was created for the explicit purpose of fighting this proposed development.

Arellano said the developer’s proposal goes beyond the city’s affordable housing requirements and provides community benefits that would help invigorate a neighboring school and enhance the BART plaza:

“The community requires a revitalized, vibrant, clean and safe corridor at 16th and Mission.”

But Proposition I proponents say developments such as 1979 Mission St. are comprised of too much market-rate housing and not enough housing affordable to the neighborhood’s long-term residents.