DZLU Feb Report

The DZLU Committee met on Tuesday, 02-21-2017.

Some of the projects discussed, include:

Residential Design Guidelines for Russian Hill

The discussion was continued from last month’s DZLU meeting regarding establishing specific residential design guidelines for Russian Hill.  DZLU is hoping to schedule an informational meeting with SF Planning.

Wireless Antennae on Wooden Poles:

DZLU continues to receive applications for new equipment to be added to wooden poles.  DZLU feels that any intensification of (new) equipment on wooden poles on Russian Hill as being detrimental to aesthetics of the neighborhood and marring public views.  In addition, such intensification is contradictory to RHN’s long-term goal of undergrounding wires and equipment.  It has proven exceedingly difficult to fight such installations.

Inclusionary Housing Program:

The City is completing its economic feasibility study to determine an appropriate percentage target for affordable housing.

Polk Street Proposed Formula Retail Ban:

The Proposed Legislation has not been withdrawn, but does not appear to be active at this time.

2500 Leavenworth at Francisco

DZLU members attended the Pre-App meeting on 01-31-2017.  Concerns were raised that additions, including the East extension, be sympathetic to original Victorian residence.  The Planning Department is requiring an HRE (Historic Resource Evaluation).  DZLU intends to request a copy of the HRE and the City’s response.

1210 – 1212 Lombard Street near Larkin:

Last year’s Pre-Application meeting for this site was held at DBI; neighbors expressed great concern, including the lack of official notification.  Fifty letters of complaint were filed against the project.  That project was put on hold and the property was sold.  An adjacent neighbor purchased the property and a new architect was brought in.  On 01-30-2017 a new Pre-Application meeting was held at the site; the new design seemed to address the neighbors’ concerns and was well received.  We anticipate that an HRE (Historic Resource Evaluation) will be required and we will ask to see it for review.

NEIGHBOR INQUIRIES:

Historic Street Lights on Union Street:

DZLU received notice via our RHN website of a neighbor’s concern that several historic street lamps are disappearing from Union Street.  DZLU will follow up with the neighbor.

NOTE: 1023 Vallejo Street (1917 Julia Morgan)

Subsequent to the above referenced DZLU meeting: on 03-01-2017, DZLU was advised by the Historic Preservation Planner that the project sponsor had submitted the requested, revised remodel plans intended to bring the project into conformance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (SOIS).  The Planning Department does not feel that the sponsor’s revisions (submitted in January 2017) meet the Department’s general requirements for conformance with the SOIS as outlined in the comment letter. The Department awaits direction from the sponsor on their next steps in the preservation/ environmental review process.