BeyondChron attended last week’s EIR meeting and are reporting on some of the feedback that was given to the commission.

Before a packed house of predomimantly black residents of the Bayview-Hunters Point, the Planning and Revelopment Commissions, in a special meeting last night, voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report for “Redeveloping and Rezoning” the 1,361 acres of land that compromises that district, it’s neighborhoods and community. While it is doubtful any minds were changed, many voices were heard.

There seemed little disagreement over the fact that certain isolated areas could use some cleaning up, but the prospect of widespread cleansing was a fear expressed by many. Despite assertions by some Board members that this was ‘not the same’ RDA that bulldozed and destroyed the Fillmore, it is difficult to imagine that was much consolation to the sceptics, especially when one considers the similar, but more subtle, gentrification and displacement that continues today in the Mission and other once ‘affordable’ neighborhoods. It raises the question as to what the value and purpose of an EIR is, if it doesn’t report on the total impact on peoples environment and lives, including the historical, communal, spiritual and social effects; particularly with a project of this magnitude. Shouldn’t it be about more than just parking, pollution and paychecks?

“The next engagement will be a Rally on Tuesday, March 7th at 3PM on the steps of our City Hall, prior to the RDA meeting in Room 416 when they are scheduled to vote on “reclassifying” Bayview/Hunters Point, potentially making all or part of these 1,361 acres subject to ‘seizure by eminent domain’.”

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