Bay of Burma Restaurant Faces Uncertainty Amid City Housing Projects

In a turn of events that has left the owners of the Bay of Burma restaurant feeling cornered, the city of San Francisco has purchased the building housing their establishment, located at 1174 Folsom St. This acquisition aims to transform the upper floors into supportive housing for individuals previously experiencing homelessness.

Background on Bay of Burma

Despite its recent opening in 2023 and a wave of positive reviews on platforms like Google, the restaurant had to navigate a complex renovation and permitting process that lasted a year. Co-owner Kay Zin expressed their surprise at the city’s sudden decision, noting they were only informed about the building’s sale on the first day of their operation by a concerned neighbor.

Impact of City Plans

The original city proposal included plans for a safe injection site, but these have been altered. The forthcoming project now aims to create supportive housing for homeless youth, which Kay and Ryan Zin, the restaurant’s co-owners, fear may exacerbate existing safety concerns in the area.

Concerns Over Safety

The business owners have recently experienced criminal incidents, including two armed robberies, which have contributed to their apprehension regarding the new supportive housing project. They have voiced their worries about how the additional facility might increase crime, particularly as the surrounding neighborhood already hosts several city-run aid programs, including treatment and shelter centers.

Seeking Solutions

In light of these challenges, Kay Zin has sought reimbursement for their construction expenses, totaling over $300,000, and requested assistance in relocating to a safer location. As they continue to engage with the city’s homelessness and supportive housing department, the owners emphasize their need for enhanced safety measures.

City’s Response and Safety Measures

The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) maintains that the transition to supportive housing is crucial for young individuals striving to leave homelessness behind. Supervisor Matt Dorsey assured stakeholders that safety would be prioritized with measures such as:

• 24/7 ambassador services in the adjacent neighborhood.
• Onsite security during high-risk overnight hours.
• Designating the site as a drug-free community, with eviction policies in place for violations.

Future Outlook

The housing complex is expected to open in April 2024. As negotiations occur between the restaurant owners and Abode Property Management, who will oversee the housing project, both parties are encouraged to reach a mutually beneficial lease agreement to foster a collaborative atmosphere at the site.

Conclusion

As the situation evolves, Bay of Burma co-owners Kay and Ryan Zin continue to navigate their challenging circumstances while advocating for their safety and business interests. They emphasize their desire to focus on the restaurant rather than the pressures of external developments occurring around them.