SAN FRANCISCO – In a significant move, San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors on Tuesday overturned Mayor London Breed’s veto concerning a measure aimed at restricting building in select historic neighborhoods. The decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over housing and preservation in the city.

Protecting Historic Districts

The measure focuses on modifying density limits within two prominent historic districts: the Northeast Waterfront Historic District and the Jackson Square Historic District. Supervisor Aaron Peskin emphasized that the measure aims to safeguard these areas from large-scale luxury developments, preserving their unique character and charm.

Dissenting Voices

While the majority of the Board supported the measure, three supervisors, including District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, dissented. Dorsey expressed concerns about the potential implications, fearing that it might encourage more neighborhoods to claim historical significance, thereby hindering future development efforts.

Mayor’s Response

Mayor Breed, who advocated for more housing construction, expressed disappointment over the decision, labeling it a setback in addressing the city’s housing shortage. She underscored the need for sustained efforts to overcome decades of policy inertia and emphasized her commitment to making San Francisco a city supportive of housing initiatives.

Divergent Views

Board President Aaron Peskin presented a contrasting perspective, asserting that the city can balance its pro-housing stance with the preservation of neighborhood character. He highlighted the measure’s allowance for larger developments while curbing the replacement of existing structures with towering skyscrapers.

Balancing Preservation and Development

The decision by San Francisco’s Board of Supervisors to override Mayor Breed’s veto underscores the complex interplay between preservation efforts and housing development in the city. While the measure seeks to protect historic districts, it also reflects ongoing debates regarding the best approach to addressing the pressing housing needs of San Francisco’s residents.

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