SF Pinoy community split over new development | Pinoy community issues

S.F.’s Filipino Community Divided Over 5M Project as Residents Voice Late-Night Concerns

SAN FRANCISCO — Tensions flared late into the night as members of the historic Filipino American community in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood packed a San Francisco Planning Commission meeting to oppose the latest phase of the 5M Project, a major development they fear will accelerate gentrification and displace long-time residents.

The project, a joint venture between Hearst Corporation and Forest City, aims to transform a 4-million-square-foot area with mixed-use developments, including office towers, market-rate and affordable housing, and public plazas. The current proposal includes three new buildings—one office tower and two residential complexes—adding fuel to a decades-long battle over the soul of one of San Francisco’s oldest Filipino enclaves.

A Neighborhood Fighting for Its Identity

SoMa, once known as “Manilatown South,” has been a cultural hub for Filipino immigrants since the mid-20th century. The area’s SOMA Pilipinas cultural district, established in 2016, honors its legacy as a home to Filipino families, businesses, and nonprofits like the Bindlestiff Studio theater and the Manilatown Heritage Foundation. Activists argue these institutions—alongside working-class residents—are now at risk.

“Our community is being erased,” said Joaquin dela Cruz, a third-generation SoMa resident, who waited until 1:30 a.m. to address commissioners. “Developers talk about ‘vibrancy,’ but that’s code for pushing us out. Where do we go next?”

The Split Within the Community

Supporters of the 5M Project highlight its promised benefits:

137 affordable housing units (25% of residential space)
$10 million for cultural preservation and tenant aid
New parks, pedestrian pathways, and small-business spaces

“This is an opportunity to create housing and jobs in a city that desperately needs both,” argued Maria Santos, a member of the Filipino Community Development Corporation.

But critics call the concessions inadequate. Opponents, including the Concerned Filipino Americans of SoMa, argue the development prioritizes high-income tech workers over legacy residents.

Key concerns include:

Displacement pressure: Market-rate units could attract wealthier residents, inflaming rent hikes.
Shadow impacts: Proposed towers may loom over community landmarks like St. Patrick’s Church, a gathering place for Filipino Catholics.
Cultural dilution: Only 25% affordable housing falls short of the community’s demand for 40% below-market-rate units.

“This isn’t反对 progress; it’s about whose progress,” said Lita Malicsi, owner of a decades-old sari-sari store recognized as a Legacy Business. “Our history isn’t a placeholder until something shinier comes along.”

City’s Balancing Act

The Planning Commission appeared receptive but noncommittal, acknowledging the neighborhood’s “delicate ecosystem.” Commissioners pressed developers to strengthen affordability guarantees and fund cultural preservation.

“We must honor commitments to communities that built this city,” said Commissioner Mildred Ong.

What’s Next?

The Commission’s vote is expected in early 2025. Meanwhile, opponents vow to escalate protests, including urging the Board of Supervisors to intervene.

As the clock neared 2 a.m., Dela Cruz summed up the fatigue and defiance in the room: “Developers have money, but we have history. And we’re not going anywhere.”

The 5M Project Debate Highlights:

Heritage vs. Growth: Can a cultural district survive amid rapid urban development?
Affordability Gap: Are 25% affordable units enough for a community where median incomes lag far behind SF’s tech sector?
Power Dynamics: Who decides the future of a neighborhood—residents or billion-dollar corporations?

For now, San Francisco’s Filipino community remains split between those hoping to negotiate a compromise and others prepared to fight until the bulldozers arrive.