DZLU February Report

The DZLU Committee met on Tuesday, February 23, 2016.
The following is a summary of some of the issues discussed:

1600 Jackson Street/Whole Foods 365
DZLU invited Moe Jamil, Chair, MPNA, Duncan Ley, Chair Middle Polk Merchants’ Association and Adam Mayer, MPNA to present their opposition to the proposed WF 365 in the former Lombardi’s Sport site at Jackson and Polk Street. They advised that they prefer a mixed-use new building (residential over small ground floor retail) at that location. They also have great concerns regarding traffic congestion caused by customers and deliveries and the loss of business for existing Polk Street businesses. They feel that the WF 365 ground floor elevations are not “activated” for foot traffic.
Their vision for Polk Street excludes “formula retail” operations. They mentioned that Supervisor Peskin’s recently introduced legislation, which would ban formula retail on Polk Street, had been discussed by MPNA for some time. The proposal of the WF365 caused the legislation to be introduced on February 2, 2016.
Our very cordial and well-prepared guests presented their views very well and expressed their interest in working with RHN on this and other issues.
In addition to the RHN survey of members and residents, DZLU continues to gather information and has invited the project sponsors for the WF 365 to address our DZLU Committee in the later part of March.
We look forward to working with other neighborhood organizations, merchants and Supervisor Peskin to find the best solution for our neighborhood and residents.

1023 Vallejo
DZLU continues to communicate with the project sponsors through their attorneys in the hopes of scheduling an on-site meeting, which will greatly clarify the sponsors’ goals and potential impacts to the Vallejo Crest Historic District.
Concerned neighbors within the Vallejo Crest Historic District have expressed that they are exploring options to protect the 1917 Julia Morgan home from proposed development that could threaten this important historic resource. The owners of 1023 submitted an application for a variance, along with other documents, at the end of January. The plans submitted show no ameliorating changes from the December 16, 2015 pre-application meeting despite the many concerns expressed about the project by the many attendees.
1011 Green Street
An ABC off-site wine license had been applied for and posted on the property. Research revealed that the license was for a home office only with no on-site wine sales. Wine would be stored and shipped from an off-site warehouse location. Thank you to the San Francisco office of the State ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) for their prompt response.

Macondray Lane Stairs
The City has commenced the rebuilding of the wooden stairs that connect Macondray Lane to Taylor Street. Removal of the old dry-rotted stairs is complete. Work on the retaining wall at the base of the stairs is ongoing, as is improving drainage. Off-site work is underway to cut and stain new wood. The replacement stairs are anticipated to be completed in April 2016. We thank former Supervisor Julie Christensen for finding funding for this long-awaited project!