Why This Matters
The proposed Marina Safeway development is about much more than one development project. It has become a test of how California's state housing laws affect local planning, environmental review, and whether communities still have a meaningful voice in shaping their neighborhoods.
We support building more housing. The question is whether a project of this scale, on this site, should be approved without meaningful environmental review or public oversight.
What is Being Proposed
- Two towers: 20 & 25 stories (297 ft.)
- Existing Safeway & pharmacy demolished and unavailable during construction
- 790 apartments
- 75% studios & one-bedrooms (not family-friendly)
- 197 residential parking spaces (for over 1,400 residents)
- 150 grocery store patron parking spaces
- AB 2011 streamlining to bypass environmental review
- State Density Bonus laws to bypass height limits
The developer is seeking approval under AB 2011 (sponsors: Wicks and Wiener), a state law that allows qualifying projects to receive ministerial approval. If approved, this project would have:
- No Planning Commission hearing
- No Board of Supervisors vote
- No CEQA environmental review
Neighborhood and civic organizations believe it does not meet the law's requirements because of the site's unique environmental conditions, public safety concerns, and surrounding land uses. We are asking the City not to grant AB 2011 eligibility or streamlined approval and instead require the project to undergo the full review process.
Why the Community is Concerned
There are several key issues neighborhood leaders believe would disqualify this project from using AB2011.
- Former manufactured gas plant contamination
- Cortese List (hazardous site)
- Flood, tsunami and liquefaction hazards
- Aging sewer, water and transportation infrastructure
- Traffic and parking overload
- Project massively out-of-scale
- Eligibility under AB 2011
- Loss of CEQA review and public hearings
These concerns have been documented through formal objection letters, independent technical review, and meetings with City officials.
Current Status
Neighborhood organizations are actively challenging the project's eligibility for AB 2011. A formal objection has been submitted, an independent soils expert has reinforced concerns regarding contamination and environmental safety, and coalition representatives have met with Planning staff, the Department of Building Inspection, the City Attorney's Office, and Supervisor Sherrill.
Supervisor Sherrill has urged the City to reconsider the project's eligibility for state streamlining, and Mayor Lurie has expressed opposition to the project.
Key Timeline
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May 1, 2026 – Planning issued conditional approval of AB 2011 eligibility.
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May 26, 2026 – Neighborhood leaders met with Planning and other city officials.
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June 25, 2026 – Supervisor Sherrill and neighborhood leaders sent a letter to the City regarding project's ineligibility for AB 2011.
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July 28, 2026 – Deadline for developer to respond to Planning's comments, or to request an extension.
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Following response – Planning has 30 days to determine consistency with objective standards.
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Within 90 days of consistency determination – The City may issue final project approval.
Next Steps
The approval process is moving quickly. Join us at the Town Hall to:
✓ Get the latest project update
✓ Understand what happens next
✓ Learn how state housing laws affect this project
✓ Hear from neighborhood leaders and elected officials
✓ Ask questions
✓ Learn how you can help
Over a 1,000 residents have already contacted elected officials and City staff to express their concerns. If you have not yet added your voice, we encourage you to send an email to help ensure the community is heard.
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