McCormack Baron Salazar to pay $9M settlement for San Francisco housing violations

St. Louis-based developer McCormack Baron Salazar has agreed to a $9 million settlement with the city of San Francisco to address severe health and safety violations at the Alice Griffith Apartments. The 337-unit affordable housing complex in the Bayview neighborhood has faced years of complaints regarding rodent infestations, inoperable elevators, plumbing issues, and deteriorating infrastructure.

The settlement includes $3 million in penalties and requires the developer to invest in property improvements, including $2.5 million for pest control and urgent repairs. An injunction requires emergency repairs to address life-safety and habitability issues within 30 days. The funds will also cover unpaid water and sewer service fees owed to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

While City Attorney David Chiu stated the settlement is the “fastest path to getting meaningful investment” in the property, some residents expressed disappointment. Tenants noted that the agreement provides no direct compensation for those living in substandard conditions, with some residents considering filing their own lawsuits.