The new Sunset District Blueprint introduced by Supervisor Katy Tang could bring more than 1,000 new homes to the neighborhood in the next 10 years. The plan—which is purely a guideline at this early stage—is designed to take advantage of underused space while keeping the neighborhood's traditionally residential character intact. The idea, according to the blueprint, is to "keep the Sunset residential, but allow taller buildings, and more local shops and restaurants." As the San Francisco Housing Action Coalition points out, 80 percent of the city's development right now is taking place on just 20 percent of its land. The Sunset District Blueprint looks to spread the action around by identifying development sites near transit and business corridors—like those along Taraval, Noriega, and Irving streets—and creating new mixed-use projects that both serve the existing community and add housing for a variety of residents, especially those that are middle-income.

The plan highlights corners of the Sunset like Noriega and 24th and Irving and 26th and reimagines these now fairly empty spots with new, denser housing. It also points out the need for more community art, public spaces, and better landscaping. Improved connections to assets like Golden Gate Park and Ocean Beach are suggested, as are arts projects such as murals, community gardens, and tree planting. The Sunset's commercial corridors are also addressed in the plan, with suggestions to revitalize them and create more of a town-square vibe.

· The Sunset District Blueprint (PDF) [SF Board of Supervisors]

· Sup. Tang's Land Use Plan Creates Path for New Housing in the Sunset [SFHAC]