Upzone us! say YIMBY Bernal Heights homeowners at S.F. housing hearing

During a public hearing in San Francisco, residents of Bernal Heights made a compelling case for their neighborhood to be included in the city's ambitious upzoning plan. Members of the YIMBY group, D9 Neighbors for Housing, highlighted that increasing housing density would not only support local merchants but also help the city meet its state-mandated goal of 82,000 new housing units by 2031. The proposed changes could dramatically increase height limits in some areas, raising them to as high as 650 feet. Despite the enthusiasm from some residents, others criticized the plan as a misguided approach that fails to tackle the underlying issues of housing affordability. Skeptics in the audience expressed that simply upzoning would not resolve the economic challenges facing builders in San Francisco.

The urgency is palpable, as the city has a deadline for rezoning set for January 31, 2026, to fill a significant housing gap. The debate underscores the complexities of urban planning, balancing community interests with the pressing need for more housing. As the city grapples with these challenges, the fate of neighborhoods like Bernal Heights remains a focal point in the conversation about San Francisco's future.