Where Is Our Community Room? Residents of San Francisco Want Answers

The Disillusionment of Shirley Chisholm Village Residents

As residents of the Outer Sunset eagerly awaited the opening of Shirley Chisholm Village, a 135-unit affordable housing complex designated for teachers and school staff, they were filled with hopes for community engagement and support. However, they have since faced disappointment over the non-existence of a promised community room designed for neighborhood gatherings. This issue serves as a cautionary tale about the complexities of urban development and community needs.

A Community Space That Remains Locked

Initially celebrated for its promise to reduce housing strain for educators, Shirley Chisholm Village was meant to be a sanctuary that not only provided homes but also fostered community. A crucial component of this vision was a 750-square-foot community room slated for public use. Yet, as of October 2025, this space remains locked due to the developer, MidPen Housing, failing to secure a permanent tenant to manage the room. This oversight has left locals disheartened, questioning the transparency and communication of city officials.

Recollections of a Beloved Park

It's essential to note the site’s history—a beloved park known as "Playland at 43rd Avenue" was home to playgrounds, a skatepark, and a community garden until its closure in 2022. Residents, nostalgic for the vibrant community that once thrived there, anticipated that the new community room would fill that void. Former District 4 Supervisor Gordon Mar emphasized how vital it was for residents to have access to such a space, particularly in a district that lacks public venues. The community room was seen not merely as a room, but as a connector, a place where relationships could be built and strengthened.

The Promise of Collaboration

The community room's projected usage was painted as an opportunity for engagement and collaboration with local nonprofits, which were expected to organize events and offer programs. However, MidPen’s decision to require a lessee to run the space left many residents frustrated, as it was clear from community meetings that the expectation was for immediate access post-construction. This shift raises questions about responsibilities of the developers and the city government.

Frustration and Unfulfilled Expectations

Residents like Kathy Howard, who participated in community outreach meetings over the years, express disappointment that promises made during these discussions are not being honored. Emails and presentations from MidPen had detailed the community room as “publicly accessible,” ensuring residents that it would be open to community use. The unexpected requirement of a lessee not only contradicts these assurances but exacerbates the frustration of those who feel misled.

Community Engagement Gone Awry

The process of engaging with the community should be transparent and straightforward, yet it seems that quick fixes are replacing solid solutions. As reported, the developers are now in search of a nonprofit to fulfill the role of operating the community room, but without a predetermined timeline, uncertainty looms large. This case reflects a concerning trend where good intentions are undermined by bureaucracy and miscommunication.

A Broader Implication

Shirley Chisholm Village’s predicament highlights a growing sentiment in urban development—when community infrastructure is sidelined, the very fabric of neighborhood life unravels. The empty community room is symbolic of larger systemic failures that prevent inclusive community engagement. Urban developments must prioritize not just housing, but the community's holistic needs. City planners, developers, and residents alike must learn from cases such as this to foster genuine community spaces that invite participation and connectivity.

Looking Forward: A Call for Action

As discussions continue about Shirley Chisholm Village’s future, community members are encouraged to voice their needs and expectations. It's crucial that everyone—from city officials to local nonprofits—participates actively in the dialogue to ensure that promises are kept and that the community room becomes a reality. By working together, residents can reclaim not only the space but also the trust that is essential for a thriving community.

Conclusion: Advocating for Our Neighborhoods

The residents of the Outer Sunset deserve a vibrant community equipped with the resources necessary for nurturing relationships and hosting events. Advocacy for these community spaces is not merely about access; it’s about ensuring that voices are heard and expectations are met. Residents united in this mission can help influence decisions that impact their neighborhoods significantly. Join your neighbors in demanding the accountability that is needed to bring communal spaces to life.