Earlier this month, D9 Neighbors showed up in force at the Board of Supervisors to oppose a frivolous appeal of 3333 Mission — a 100% affordable senior housing project that had already been approved by the Planning Department.

The appeal sought to delay much-needed housing for seniors, despite state laws intended to limit obstruction of compliant affordable projects. Several of our members spoke during public comment, underscoring how harmful these delays are for older adults who need stable, affordable homes. (You can read some of those perspectives in The Frisc’s coverage of the appeal, titled “How to Delay Affordable Senior Housing in SF, Despite a Law that Blocks Appeals.”)

The good news: the Board of Supervisors unanimously rejected the appeal. It was a clear signal that affordable senior housing deserves support — not unnecessary roadblocks.

At the same time, this case revealed an important policy gap. While state law aims to prevent meritless appeals of compliant housing projects, a procedural loophole known as a “map appeal” can still be used to delay projects in San Francisco. These technical appeals can function as a workaround, even when a project meets all planning requirements.

We’re proud that our members showed up to defend 3333 Mission, and we’re committed to going further. In the months ahead, we look forward to working with neighbors and elected officials to close these loopholes and ensure that fully approved affordable housing — especially housing for seniors — can move forward without costly, unnecessary delay.

Because building housing isn’t just about passing laws. It’s about making sure those laws actually work.