Proposal to block new luxury homes in San Francisco's Mission District qualifies for ballot

A proposal to freeze the construction of luxury housing in a San Francisco neighborhood has qualified for the Nov. 3 ballot.

The idea failed with the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in June, despite pleas from hundreds of people who say families are being priced out and evicted from the city's famed Mission District. The neighborhood, which is heavily Latino and working class, has grown popular with younger technology workers.

The ballot measure certified Tuesday halts development of market-rate housing in the district for 18 months. It calls on the city to develop a plan setting aside at least 50 percent of new housing for households that are low-to-moderate income.

Opponents say a freeze won't alleviate San Francisco's housing problems. Rents here are among the highest in the country.