As January, 2023 approaches, we look forward to welcoming our new supervisor,
Joel Engardio, to the neighborhood. He has agreed to speak with the Board in
January. After that meeting, we hope to plan a general meeting where all our
members and other neighbors interested can welcome Supervisor Engardio, listen
to his ideas for the neighborhood, and express their own concerns. We will keep
you posted on the date for this event and hope you will attend.
As you probably know, we have been in negotiations with DTSC (Department of
Toxic Substances Control) for well over a year now. Our concerns are the high
PCE (tetrachloroethylene) levels on Irving street, between 26 th Avenue and 27 th
Avenue, as well as the houses to the north. Buildings to the south of Irving have
not yet been assessed for PCE levels. The exception here is the tall building, 1300
26th Ave., where some preliminary testing has been done. Levels are high at the
ground floor level. All of us agree that the toxic gas plumes in the area around
2550 Irving should be completely removed, (using soil vapor extraction) before
any construction begins. There may even be some state funding for the toxic
chemical removal. Unfortunately, at this point, TNDC (Tenderloin Neighborhood
Development Corporation) still prefers to protect only the residents of the new
building by using a vapor barrier, which according to DTSC is only a temporary
solution for 2550 and does nothing to capture the toxins which have spread to the
rest of the neighborhood. This struggle is a work in progress.
MSNA has always supported the affordable housing proposed at 2550 Irving
Street. However, we as a community would like to be part of the process of
planning. Our compromise plan is for 80 units, rather than 90 units. We have
submitted complete architectural plans for 5.5 stories and a basement for parking
and storage, rather than 7 stories and no basement, the current TNDC plan. We
have proposed that the entrance to parking be on Irving Street, not where TNDC
plans to place it, directly across the street from the entrance to the 25 th Irving
Street Market (previously called Sunset Super). That corner is already
treacherous. TNDC has shown no willingness to compromise on any part of their
plan, including clean-up of the PCE. As a result, we have been involved in
litigation for almost two years. We currently have two cases under appeal in the
courts, (regarding the failure of TNDC to compromise on height and density).
We also have filed an appeal with the SF Board of Appeals, to pause the
demolition of the current building at 2550 Irving Street until provisions are made
for:
1- Assessing and controlling vibrations and toxic dust that might impact the
neighbors
2- Having a site plan that takes specific precautions to preserve forensic evidence
related to the origin of the PCE.
Everything we do takes funding. Since February, 2021, MSNA has incurred over
$190,000.00 in expenses for legal and architectural services, related to the
proposed building at 2550 Irving. Neighbors have generously contributed over
$63,000. The balance, $127,000, has been paid by the members of the Board, for
the benefit of all our neighbors.
We all know, and research bears this out, that a community that works together,
that watches out for each other, is a community that has less crime and where
neighbors are more satisfied. Please help us work together as a community.
Consider volunteering on the Board. Consider making a monthly contribution of
$100.00 to MSNA. We need your help in order to continue our efforts.
Funds can be made to MSNA by check, delivered to 1221 27th Ave. or via Zelle
using the phone number 415 425-2939. Finally, we have a GoFundMe page at
The Board of MSNA wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Flo Kimmerling
2550irvingcommunity@gmail.com