DZLU March Report

March 21, 2017

DZLU continues to follow a large number of active projects. These include:

ACTIVE PROJECTS

1. 1023 Vallejo Street (1917 Julia Morgan designed).  The planner assigned to this project has informed the project sponsors that their revised design (dated January 2017) still does not meet the Department’s general requirements for conformance with the SOIS as outlined in the comment letter/enclosures. The Department awaits direction from the sponsor on their next steps in the preservation/environmental review process.
2. 1210-1212 Lombard Street. Current plans have been presented to the neighbors and appear to be well-received. A copy of the HRE has been requested for DZLU’s files.
3. 1338 Filbert Street Cottages. Finishing work continues with an estimated completion date for the project of June 2017.
4. 2500 Leavenworth at Francisco. An HRE is being prepared. No project documents have been filed to date. The planner assigned to the project has agreed to provide RHN with a copy of the HRE once it is available.
5. Historic Preservation. The RHN Board approved DZLU’s recommendation that a Historic Preservation Restricted Fund be created. It also approved RHN’s serving as fiscal sponsor for a grant request by Lombard Hill Improvement Association to SF Heritage to help fund exploratory research for a possible SF Landmark designation. Although approved, LHIA has decided to defer the grant request while additional community education and feedback is pursued. There are two other potential efforts for SF landmark designation including the Western Slope and the three existing National Register historic district (Vallejo Crest, Paris Block (1000 block of Green) and Macondray Lane. DZLU will continue to monitor these efforts.
6. Lombard Crooked Street Committee members attended the public hearing where SFMTA presented the Board of Supervisors with its study and recommendations for a toll reservation system for the 1000 block of Lombard. The presentation generated quite a bit of publicity and received a mixed response from the Supervisors. Traffic issues continue with the most recent being a problem with motorcycles riding down the sidewalks, against traffic, etc. There are now 6 officers assigned to Lombard Street to address the ongoing traffic and crime issues; however, the motorcycle issues are occurring after the officers have departed for the day.
7. Residential Guidelines for Russian Hill There is no new update on this issue. However, a copy of the Middle Polk Neighborhood Association’s Development Principles were circulated and it was agreed that DZLU consider drafting a similar document. Several committee members agreed to work on a draft for discussion.
8. SF Urban Design Guidelines. It was agreed to see if a planner could attend the April 18 DZLU meeting. Meanwhile, a link to the website containing the most recent draft guidelines was distributed so that committee members could review. There are two upcoming meetings – one on April 12 and an informational hearing before the Planning Commission on April 27.
9. Van Ness Corridor Council. There was a brief discussion about the purpose, proposed structure and recent meetings of the proposed VNCC. A draft of the proposed “House Rules Memorandum” had been distributed in advance. This draft will be finalized at the next VNNC meeting for presentation to each Member Organization’s Board for approval.
10. Van Ness Historic Lights. Efforts are proceeding to implement the Board of Supervisors’ resolution. Although the original historic lamps are beyond repair, the resolution directs that the replacement lights should reference the historic design. A         number of city and state agencies are needing to weigh in on this. The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association has been particularly active in advocating for this.
11. Undergrounding of Utilities SFCUU has produced a handbook on undergrounding which is being presented to the new Supervisors. A copy will also be presented to the RHN Board.  Anne will also request an information table at the RHN Annual Meeting on April 20 for SFCUU.
12. Wireless Antennae. Committee members will draft a generic letter for proposed wireless installations on wooden poles where there is a negative aesthetic impact on the neighborhood to be used by the RHN president to express its official protest against any intensification of new equipment on wooden poles as being detrimental to the aesthetics as well as being contradictory to its long-term goal of undergrounding wires and equipment.

 

NEIGHBOR INQUIRIES.

1. Union Street Lights. There have been two inquiries to RHN by residents of the 1000 block of Union expressing concern over the incremental (apparently) replacement of old     street lamps with new modern ones. Both Supervisor Farrell and Supervisor Peskin’s offices are looking into this issue. DZLU will continue to monitor.
2. Van Ness/North Point Muni Convenience Facility. The location of this proposed facility is outside RHN’s boundaries. DZLU referred this inquiry to the RHN’s Transportation Chair.

 

OTHER BUSINESS

1. Recruitment of New Members for DZLU. It was suggested that some activity (table, announcement at RHN’s Annual Meeting) be used to spread the word.