DZLU September

DZLU MEETING DATE:  September 19, 2017

1. ONGOING PROJECTS:
2. Wireless Antennae on Wooden Poles: The final Sept. 16 Board of Appeals hearing was put off until the appellants meet with Verizon re shifting the location of the pole in front of their house.  We do not know the outcome as of this date.
3. Union Street “Old Style” Replacement Street Lights: PG&E has proposed that the old lights cannot be refurbished and should be replaced by another style.  DZLU has met with the neighbor who first brought this issue to our attention and DZLU is researching the proposed replacement fixtures.
4. 948-950 Lombard Street/841 Chestnut Street (between Jones/Leavenworth) – (Willis Polk demolition): The Aug. 31 Planning Commission hearing approved the conditional use request to allow a second dwelling unit on the merged lot, noting that the site would have less development potential after a lot merger.  The historic cottage remains and a new structure, rebuilt to attempt to mirror the original, has replaced the demolished Willis Polk residence.  The owners will pay $400,000 in fines.  We as a neighborhood and the City need to monitor projects to ensure that permits have been properly obtained and plans have not changed without notice.
5. 2464 Polk Street (at Filbert) MCD: The Supervisors passed a moratorium on such dispensaries for 45 days.  Please see the RHN Executive Committee’s letter about this proposed project elsewhere on RHN’s website.
6. Polk Street Proposed Formula Retail Legislation & Whole Foods 365: Whole Foods VP Rob Twyman announced an October 17^th community meeting.  The Conditional Use hearing is December 7^th.
7. 982 Green Street (at Jones): This project had proceeded without permits or required variances, and without required historic review.  It included façade alterations to the oldest contributor to the Macondray Ln National Historic District.  Planning has assessed penalties on this illegal work.  In addition, Planning is recommending to the Planning Commission that the owners restore the historic façade, and other modifications.  A Mandatory Discretionary Review and Variance Hearing will be held Oct. 5, 2017 at the Planning Commission on these issues.  DZLU proposed to the Board that a letter be drafted to Planning stating we are encouraged that there has been enforcement action and penalties, that we support the rigorous restoration of the historic façade, and that other decisions should be made solely on the basis of what is the best urban design outcome for Russian Hill.  We are also concerned about ensuring there is appropriate and full coordination between Planning and Building Inspection to minimize the risk of similar situations in the future.