Bay Area Land News - July 3, 2018
Just Sayin'
Elephant in the Room Recap: Our recent luncheon with Aaron Jacoby on autonomous vehicles left us wanting more. So, look forward this Fall to a follow-up discussion that will move from technology and regulation to the implications of autonomous vehicles on urban design, economics, and social stratification.
Another topic deserving our attention is affordable housing. Decision-makers and policy wonks frequently use the language, but do folks really understand what affordable housing means, how it is designed, who lives there, and what it means to our culture/society as we fail to encourage its construction? We will begin by discussingwhat differentiates affordable housing from other housing products, what are the fundamental economics of making housing "affordable," and what innovations are likely to make more housing more affordable in the future. Stay tuned!
US/California/Bay Area News
East Bay Times
The Bay Area’s tech boom and the `dark side of prosperity’: Q&A with Richard Walker
The geographer Richard Walker is out with an unflinching examination of the San Francisco Bay Area, the epicenter of the tech boom — and he opens the book with a poem published more than a half-century before the iPhone.
To read the full article, click here.
The Mercury News
Map: It may take centuries to reach housing goals in Bay Area
This map from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission shows how long it would take for each Bay Area city or town to reach its 2040 goals.
To read the full article, click here.
Silicon Valley Business Journal
Prop 13, rent control proposals make their way to California ballot
The shape of California's November ballot firmed up Thursday as two proposals with implications for the state's housing crisis — one that would modify the 40-year-old Proposition 13 and the other to repeal a 23-year-old measure that limited rent control — were cleared to go before voters.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
Homeland Security News Wire
Warming climate would make wildfire-prone homes uninsurable
Nine months after the October 2017 destructive Tubbs Fire in Sonoma County, the process of reconstruction has begun. Experts question the prudence of rebuilding in some of the burnt-out areas in light of existing fire hazard and predictions of how the warming climate will fuel more frequent and severe wildfires in the western United States.
To read the full article, click here.
The Wall Street Journal
The real estate developer who took on the tech giants
After a disturbing cocktail party chat, Alastair Mactaggart bankrolled the push that led to California’s landmark data-privacy bill.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
The Mercury News
Bay Area assessors: Counties' property values surge higher; Apple, Google are key contributors
Bay Area counties' assessed property values have surged significantly higher than a year ago, with Santa Clara County seeing a rise of more than 7 percent, and Apple and Google each seeing a $1.5 billion increase in assessed value within the county.
To read the full article, click here.
The Mercury News
Bay Area tech company rolls out new software to help cities approve housing faster
As communities throughout the Bay Area struggle to house their booming populations, a local company is debuting new software it says may help cities build homes faster.
To read the full article, click here.
San Francisco Business Times
Here are the highest-profile projects designed by top Bay Area architectural firms
Local architecture firms continue to play an integral role in the Bay Area's skyline and interiors, spearheading a mix of public and private works.
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The Mercury News
Facebook creates three huge Bay Area job hubs for expansion
Facebook has created three Bay Area work hubs that each total at least one million square feet, following big leases with two legendary developers that widen its Silicon Valley footprint.
To read the full article, click here.
The Mercury News
Sears closing Bay Area store as iconic company takes major losses
The Sears store in Newark, long a fixture of NewPark Mall, will close in September as the retailer shutters locations across the nation.
To read the full article, click here.
KQED News
Is Rent Control Working and Should We Have More or Less of It?
We all know the refrain: “The rent is too damn high.” In San Francisco, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is more than $3,000.
To read the full article, click here.
The Mercury News
Lyft is getting into the bike-share business, follows Uber’s footsteps
Ride-hailing giant Lyft announced Monday it would acquire Motivate, the company that operates the Bay Area’s Ford GoBike network, in the latest example of car companies getting into the business of short-term bike rentals.
To read the full article, click here.
San Francisco News
San Francisco Business Times
On eve of opening, $2.2 billion Salesforce Transit Center struggles to fill huge space for stores and restaurants
The original goal was to have at least 35 retail leases by the middle of the year. As of June 1, however, the Transbay Center had zero.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Business Times
The era of big leases is over as San Francisco awaits next crop of towers
The era of massive office leases — including the likes of Salesforce, Dropbox and Facebook — is coming to a halt now that most of San Francisco’s pipeline of new office buildings is spoken for. Robust demand for office space has filled up buildings months or years ahead of completion, but development is drying up.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Business Times
Will Central SoMa live up to its promise?
The city is poised to approve the long-awaited upzoning of Central South of Market. It will transform around 230 acres of mostly low-rise warehouses and industrial shops into a mixed-use area that will be one of the city’s densest neighborhoods. Planned projects total 8,320 homes and 8 million square feet of office space to accommodate up to 40,000 new jobs.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Business Times
Developers chase high-profile Moscone Garage site for mega-hotel and affordable housing
The project could be a big money-maker for the cash-strapped SFMTA, create desperately needed affordable homes and provide a much-needed large hotel to serve the nearby Moscone convention center.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Business Times
San Francisco's Mid-Market and Civic Center race toward revival
The transformation that began a few years ago in Mid-Market and around Civic Center is about to gain momentum. Several big condo and apartment projects are under construction and investments in hotels, grocery stores, museums, parks and other amenities should bring more life to the streets both day and night in the next few years.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Business Times
How market-rate developers deliver affordable housing in San Francisco
While many developers choose to pay a fee to pay for future affordable housing, some big developers, notably Tishman Speyer and a few others, have produced hundreds of units of affordable housing themselves. Now, other big projects projects such as Treasure Island, Schlage Lock and Parkmerced in the pipeline could do the same, but some projects are delayed due to high construction costs, rising fees and permitting delays.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Business Times
Check out the development projects that are transforming San Francisco
What's in store for San Francisco as these major developments take shape?
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Business Times
Here are five big transportation projects with the potential to untie San Francisco's traffic knots
The city’s gridlock has driven demand for new private transit options, and a few ambitious public transportation projects give reason for hope.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Chronicle
As Silicon Valley looks to tax tech, San Francisco has lightened its load
As fast-growing tech companies strain housing, transportation and other civic resources, cities are pushing to increase their taxes. There’s one exception: San Francisco.
To read the full article, click here.
Lexology
San Francisco Passes Commercial Rent Tax to Fund Childcare
On June 5, 2018, the voters of San Francisco passed Proposition C (Commercial Rent Tax for Childcare and Early Education), which imposes a new gross receipts tax (Childcare Tax) of 3.5% on rentals of "commercial space" in the City of San Francisco with a reduced 1% tax on rentals of "warehouse space."
To read the full article, click here.
The Registry
San Francisco’s Dogpatch Public Realm Plan Passes, Sets Stage for Further Neighborhood Development
San Francisco, Dogpatch, Central Waterfront Dogpatch Public Realm Plan, Planning Commission, General Plan Amendments, University of California
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Chronicle
SF’s appalling street life repels residents — now it’s driven away a convention
In a move that is alarming San Francisco’s biggest industry, a major medical association is pulling its annual convention out of the city — saying its members no longer feel safe.
To read the full article, click here.
SocketSite
Supervisors Slated to Hear City’s Ambitious Central Soma Plan
Unanimously supported by San Francisco’s Planning Commission back in May, San Francisco’s full Board of Supervisors is now slated to hear and potentially vote on the passage of the City’s ambitious Central SoMa Plan on July 17.
To read the full article, click here.
The Registry
San Francisco’s Proposition C Passes, Paving Way for Increased Property Rents
Proposition C was designed to levy a tax on San Francisco commercial property leases that City officials hope will bring approximately $146 million a year, with 85 percent of funds designated for childcare and education among children from birth to five years old and 15 percent of funds available for general city purposes.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
SocketSite
Plans for Infilling Chestnut Street
Plans to level the long-standing Wells Fargo branch building at 2055 Chestnut Street in the Marina, which was built for Crocker Bank in 1974, have been drafted.
To read the full article, click here.
San Francisco Chronicle
Well-crafted Jackson Square condos rich in design inspiration
The long boom that continues to wash across San Francisco alters the landscape in ways that aren’t confined to the South of Market skyline or the stocky boxes of housing that replace gas stations on strips like Van Ness Avenue.
To read the full article, click here.
North Bay News
San Francisco Business Times
How Marin homeowners are cashing in on their homes without selling
In the Bay Area’s ultra-competitive housing market, Darcy and Christopher Barrow discovered an underserved niche: high-end rental homes in Marin County.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
South Bay News
Silicon Valley Business Journal
Developers propose three high-rise towers with hundreds of units, retail and theater in San Jose's SoFA District
A group of local business people have submitted plans for three large new residential towers and more than 40,000 square feet of retail and performing arts space in San Jose's downtown arts and entertainment district.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
Silicon Valley Business Journal
Grand jury: San Jose, surrounding cities should levy new commercial development fees to subsidize housing
San Jose's City Council just rejected so-called "commercial linkage fees." Enacting such fees — which are charged to new commercial developments — is “overdue" and would substantially boost below market-rate housing in San Jose, Campbell, Milpitas, Los Gatos and Los Altos, the grand jury said.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
Silicon Valley Business Journal
What to do when neighboring cities become enemies
The people of California deserve better than go through expensive, protracted fights like the one between San Jose and Santa Clara.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
The Mercury News
Downtown San Jose offices bought; rehab to entice tech company eyed Comments Feed
A prominent downtown San Jose office building perched next to St. James Park has been bought in a deal that is expected to trigger a top-to-bottom renovation of the nine-story structure so it could entice technology companies or other businesses.
To read the full article, click here.
Silicon Valley Business Journal
Silicon Valley officials attend 'granny unit' conference amid push to relax regulations
Policymakers from cities in Santa Clara County that have recently relaxed ordinances regarding accessory dwelling units, or ADUs — more commonly called "granny units" — attended a conference last week to learn more about programs and legislation intended to make it easier to build ADUs.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
Peninsula News
Mountain View Voice
Council gives the green light to shopping center school plans
Mountain View City Council members agreed Tuesday night to allow the Los Altos School District to pursue land for a school within the San Antonio shopping center, with a narrow majority deciding not to impose restrictions on the school's design or demand the school serve local students in the area.
To read the full article, click here.
The Mercury News
Martins Beach: New law could force billionaire Vinod Khosla to sell public path to beach he closed
Obscure language in the massive state budget that Gov. Jerry Brown signed this week could force Silicon Valley billionaire Vinod Khosla to permanently open Martins Beach in San Mateo County to the public.
To read the full article, click here.
Palo Alto Weekly
More Stanford housing, but worse traffic?
If the Palo Alto City Council was gung-ho months ago about requesting that Stanford University build more housing on campus as part of its proposed expansion plans, a recent draft environmental analysis has dumped cold water on hopes that doing so could come without significant problems.
To read the full article, click here.
Palo Alto Weekly
Editorial: Suddenly, a new manager
Without any public involvement, the No. 2 will become City Manager. Arguably the most important decision a government body, corporation or nonprofit makes is the selection of its CEO.
To read the full article, click here.
The Almanac
Menlo Park: Locals weigh in on Stanford housing options
In an unusual second round of public scrutiny, Stanford's expansion plans are getting another look.
To read the full article, click here.
East Bay Times
East Menlo Park tenants to Zuckerberg: Facebook is helping to displace us
Social network giant Facebook is already expanding in its hometown of Menlo Park and has signed a mammoth lease in Sunnyvale. Now, it has signed major leases with Sobrato Organization and Peery Arrillaga totaling 18 buildings in a part of Fremont near the Dumbarton Bridge's east end.
To read the full article, click here.
The Almanac
Facebook alarms blast neighborhood
At least three times in June, residents in eastern Menlo Park have been awakened in the middle of the night by alarms blasting from rooftop stadium speakers at Facebook's new building under construction.
To read the full article, click here.
The Daily Journal
South San Francisco officials weighing development woes
South San Francisco officials attempted to reconcile their desire to seize a rare economic opportunity against the toll ongoing development is taking on the quality of life for their residents.
To read the full article, click here.
The Daily Journal
Conflict over height limits wears on
An effort to update voter-approved housing policies in San Mateo so they align with a new state law may soon clash with a citizens-driven effort to keep them in place if city officials opt to place a measure conflicting with the citizens initiative on the November ballot.
To read the full article, click here.
East Bay News
San Francisco Business Times
San Francisco megadeveloper wants to build almost 700 units near San Leandro BART
The San Francisco developer behind the massive Parkmerced project and the controversial "Monster in the Mission" wants to build nearly 700 apartments near the San Leandro BART station.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]
San Francisco Business Times
Developer demands Berkeley approve high-profile housing development under new state law
Developer Blake Griggs is not giving up on securing a speedy approval process for a 260-unit housing proposal that Berkeley officials say doesn't comply with a new state law.
To read the full article, click here.
SF Gate
From business to real estate, Oakland is booming
These days, the Oakland skyline — long shaped by iconic skyscrapers, green rolling coastal hills and Port cranes — is currently home to about a dozen construction cranes, emblematic of the surge of new investment spawning commercial and residential projects now underway.
To read the full article, click here.
San Francisco Business Times
City Ventures kicks off sales at new West Oakland townhouse projects
Developer seeks to meet for-sale demand in Oakland.
To read the full article, click here.
San Francisco Business Times
Real estate transfer tax increase considered for November ballot in Oakland and Berkeley
The measures would increase how much people in Oakland pay when selling properties above $2 million, and for Berkeley residents, above $1 million.
To read the full article, click here.
East Bay Times
Berkeley developer fights back after city rejects housing under SB 35
City officials are attempting to "eviscerate" a new state law that requires cities to approve more housing, a Berkeley developer says.
To read the full article, click here.
East Bay Times
Oakland, Berkeley consider real estate tax ballot measures
People selling Oakland properties for more than $2 million would have to pay more in taxes if voters approve a measure being proposed for the November ballot.
To read the full article, click here.
San Francisco Chronicle
Port of Oakland, a center for China trade, expects growth amid turmoil
West Coast ports are bracing for a possible trade war with China, even as they hope for a summer boom.
To read the full article, click here.
San Francisco Chronicle
Developer threatens to act against Berkeley over affordable housing project
A developer who has been fighting for five years to build housing in a Berkeley parking lot that American Indians say is part of a sacred shellmound accused the city Thursday of trying to eviscerate a new state law that allows affordable housing projects to be fast-tracked.
To read the full article, click here.
San Francisco Business Times
Prologis breaks ground on second phase of huge Oakland industrial project
As industrial tenants seek newer, more sophisticated buildings, and locations that will give them an edge over competitors, developer Prologis Inc. has primed its Oakland Army Base redevelopment as the crème de la crème of Bay Area industrial sites.
To read the full article, click here. [subscription required]