The developer behind the controversial Marina Safeway redevelopment plan has locked in a key partnership with San Francisco construction unions, a crucial step in advancing its plan for a 25-story building with close to 800 new homes amid fierce neighborhood and City Hall pushback.
Developer Align Real Estate’s deal with the building trades groups, required under a state law that streamlines approvals for these types of projects, could make it trickier for the political opposition, which includes Mayor Daniel Lurie and the Marina’s supervisor, Stephen Sherrill, as well as neighborhood activists.
The San Francisco Building and Construction Trades Council and the NorCal Carpenters Union this week confirmed their involvement with the plan — partnerships that are required under California’s AB2011. The state law makes it easier to get approval for housing on commercial sites but imposes strict labor and environmental standards…