[From the Tuesday, April 28, 2015 DZLU Meeting]
The Design, Zoning and Land Use Committee of Russian Hill Neighbors meets monthly to review notices of new construction and remodeling projects and to follow up on continuing projects. We also continue to monitor the neighborhood impacts of traffic on Lombard Street’s “crooked” block, installation of AT&T U-Verse boxes, such policy issues as short-term rentals, and provide support for the Committee for Undergrounding Utilities.
One item of particular interest to the neighborhood is the proposed Target store on Polk at Jackson, which we are beginning to collect feedback on and monitor (we are hearing a diversity of opinions on this, both pro and con).
We are continuing to oppose the placement of ExteNet/Verizon equipment on existing wooden utility poles in particularly sensitive locations on Russian Hill. Twenty-eight installations are proposed on the Hill which would raise the height of these poles, add equipment and boxes, some of which are adjacent to residents’ windows, and many of which would interfere with tourists’ and residents’ views. Current law requires telecommunications carriers to notify residents when a new facility is proposed close to their homes, and requires review by Planning and the Health Department. However, four wireless companies are promoting California Assembly Bill 57, which will be voted on potentially by the end of May, and would authorize wireless companies to place facilities on any wooden utility pole without notification or review. Interested residents may read up on this at celltowersites.com.
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