Making Use of Stalled and Vacant Developments

A new plan being pursued by the City of San Francisco would allow developers with projects stalled by the economic recession hold on to their development rights as long as they make some beneficial use of the vacant land until construction starts.

1 minute read

January 27, 2010, 8:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

The plan is being called a 'green development agreement', and is being pushed by Mayor Gavin Newsom. It could go up for legislative approval next month. Possible uses of vacant spaces include gardens, city tree farms, and carbon sinks.

"The effort began after a 2009 Chronicle series on lots that are left to languish during economic slumps. The problem is especially vivid south of Market Street, where large sites were cleared for towers that now are on hold because of economic uncertainty.

At present, entitlements for many large projects must be renewed each year. While extensions are granted routinely, the sites sit bare and often attract graffiti and trash."

FULL STORY: Myriad ideas to fill void of empty lots

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 in San Francisco Chronicle

Community / Economic Development Land Use Urban Development California San Francisco Economic Recession Vacant Land Stalled Developments View More

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