After nine hours of public testimony, the Planning Commission voted 5-2 last night to approve SoMa's 5M development at Fifth and Mission streets. As expected, issues debated included gentrification, displacement of SoMa's Filipino community, and shadow impacts from the new buildings. Opposition to the development started out as passionate, with members of the public sometimes expressing their opinions in the form of song or dramatic recitation, but turned disruptive. About seven hours in protesters were removed from the hearing by deputy sheriffs and the Commission called a recess. The eventual vote was a big win for 5M, which must still go before the Board of Supervisors later this year before it can begin construction.
· SoMa's 5M Ready to Face Its Critics at Planning Hearing Today [Curbed SF]