ACTIVE PROJECTS
AT&T Boxes: It was noticed that the graffiti has been painted out on several boxes in the neighborhood.
Francisco Reservoir: The official name of the organization is now “Francisco Park Conservancy” which is currently in talks with Rec and Park regarding governance. A topographic land survey is being conducted and paid for by the City. The PUC has recently requested to be allowed to put a cistern under the park to handle storm water in the neighborhood. DZLU has asked for the official composition of the FPC.
Roof Deck Policy: DZLU has been reviewing documents and which projects can receive “over the counter” permit approvals vs. those requiring pre-application meetings and/or 311 notification.
1045-1061 Broadway – Tree Removal: The Board of Appeals hearing was held 1/14/15. The Board decided that four trees would be removed, but replaced by five large trees no longer than four months (two months sooner than the typical six months) after the original trees are removed. We will track progress of the removal and replacement of these trees.
Macondray Lane – Wooden Stairs: DPW is “meeting internally” talking about historic aspects of the stairs. It was discussed that possibly our newly appointed District 3 Supervisor, Julie Christiansen be brought into these discussions. It was decided that DZLU request RHN Board to initiate contact with our new supervisor and possibly invite her to speak at a Board or joint Board/DZLU meeting.
Short Term Rentals: The new law is to go into effect 2/1/15 and that the firm “Home Away” had asked for an injunction to stop the law from taking effect, because, as a listing service, it felt it should not have to collect hotel taxes and because the law unconstitutionally discriminates against non-residents. (A judge dismissed this challenge on 1/28 and implementation will go forward.) It was decided we would keep this on our agenda and continue to observe events as they unfold.
Undergrounding: No report. However, there was applause for SFCUU’s Anne Brubaker (San Francisco Committee to Underground Utilities), in absentia, for the great success of the Channel 7 news story. (Track the progress of this committee at: sfundergrounding.org.)
1137 Green Street – Garage, exposed meters & conduits: As a result of a successful meeting with the property owner we are happy to report that the conduits have been painted to blend in with the wall
1281-1283 Greenwich St – Driveway, landscaping: We will continue to monitor that owner keeps his promise to landscape.
1338 Filbert Cottages: Underground work for the parking has been completed and framing for the cottages’ annex is proceeding.
1740 Jones Street: Much progress has been made on this project; the owner shared that it was taking a long time due to contractors, City inspections, etc.
Reports by Committee Members on Other Projects:
1111-1133 Green Street: It was noted that no one is currently covering this group of residences (dubbed “Animal House”); This was being handled by our former President (who sadly has moved out of our neighborhood). DZLU has received information about a possible new contact person and hopes to learn if this issue continues or if it has been resolved.
Neighbor Inquiries
Wireless Antennae on Utility Poles: It was mentioned that these can produce very noisy buzzing. There was agreement that DZLU should remain vigilant about placement of these near homes, consider the aesthetic implications of adding additional devices and wire to our utility poles, etc. Since more research is needed, it was decided to table this for further discussion at the next meeting.
Notices Received
1110 Green Street/Decks, Pre-Application meeting 1/6/15: Existing modern house will be adding a deck at the rear, with trellis-like wood screen covering access way and stair to the deck. The screen would face the street and be visible. A 311 notice with more details is expected in the future. It was decided to keep this on agenda and monitor.
2041 Hyde Street/Deck – Pre Application meeting 1/3/15. They will be building a small roof deck at the rear of the building with a stair tower up from one apartment below. We have not heard from any neighbors. We decided to keep this on our list to see if their roof stair construction engenders a 311/312 notice to the neighborhood.
Other Projects Proposed by Committee:
841 Chestnut/950 Lombard (Willis Polk home): Concern was raised regarding the revised design moving the new garage entrance from the south side of Chestnut Street to the North side of Lombard Street without notice to the neighborhood. We will pursue clarification from the City as to when revisions require notification to the neighborhood..
The next DZLU meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2015
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