Demolition of burned-out SF North Beach building hits snag after person files appeal

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Walk around San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood and it's hard to miss the burned-out building at 659 Union Street.

After being burned in a fire years ago, most of the building was set to be knocked down imminently.

But an appeal filed last week by just one person has halted the demolition process.

"It is frustrating," said Danny Sauter, the supervisor for this district.

He tells ABC7 Eyewitness News the city has deemed the building to be a danger to the area and is frustrated that a single individual can pause the demolition process.

"It worries me and it concerns me that we're talking about a few weeks here. You know, at the very least, if this were to have to be reviewed I think it should be reviewed in days," said Sauter.

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A hearing on the appeal isn't scheduled until later this month.

If ultimately demolished, the site could become a housing development. But that plan has faced opposition from some in this neighborhood for years.

The debate over building new housing versus preserving neighborhood aesthetics is happening all over San Francisco. However, it's been particularly pronounced in North Beach.

Walking around Monday, ABC7 ran into several locals who wanted to share their opinions on the burnt building.

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While everyone agreed the current structure needs to go, the divide over what could replace it was evident. Some, like Jamie Brown, say more housing should be the top priority.

"That's part of the problem is that we don't have enough affordable housing. It's part of the reason why we have a lot of homelessness," said Brown.

Others worry a new complex could destroy the neighborhood's vibe.

"I'd like to see something like the footprint of the shops that it had before. I wouldn't be too interested in like a high-rise condo building," said Peter Dunn.

Sauter believes building more housing doesn't have to come at the expense of aesthetics, but until the appeal on the current site is finished, he says nothing will happen in the immediate future.