Voters in San Francisco approved a proposition yesterday that could help keep the 49ers in the city if development plans go forward.

The referendum on Proposition G wasn’t a binding one but an endorsement of a development plan for Hunters Point and Candlestick Point. 720 acres would be given to a developer who would create housing, commercial properties and, possibly, a new stadium for the football team. Another proposition which would have required affordable housing was rejected at the polls.

Many hurdles remain before the land is actually developed and a stadium plan may never even get onto the drawing board. The voter approval could impact discussions in Santa Clara, though. Stadium talks there have bogged down on a variety of issues but the prospect of an alternative location could get the ball rolling again.