The proposed development at 1298 Valencia St has been formally granted an Eastern Neighborhoods Area Plan-based exemption from having to complete a detailed environmental review, but a plan for cleaning up the site will still need to be approved and executed.

The site has been a subject of contention and in 2013 attracted protesters against gentrification of the Mission District neighborhood. Development plans call for the 76 Station gas station on the corner of Valencia and 24th streets to be razed in order to make way for a six-story building with 35 condos and 3.8k SF of retail space. Ian Birchall and Associates has designed the proposed building, which has been zoned for up to 55 feet in height. Residential units would range in size from studios to two-bedrooms.

Development plans also include the construction of a new sidewalk along Poplar Street. The project will still require approval from the Planning Commission. [SS]