DZLU October

DZLU MEETING DATE: October 24, 2017

1. ONGOING PROJECTS:

a. 2465 Van Ness @ Union: DM Development and Handel Architects presented to DZLU. Project will include 41 condo units (3 & 4 bedroom and smaller) with street-level retail in RC3 zoning. Seven or eight units must be affordable (developer is exploring “small site program” within one mile of site to meet inclusionary housing requirement). One major section will have 5 stories, a small section will have 3 stories, while most of the building is 6 stories built on a sloped site. The parking requirement is 0.5:1 (previously, zoning had required 1:1 which we would prefer) or 0.75:1 with conditional use approval (developer is asking support of neighborhoods for more parking). DM’s thoughts on the 2,900 sq. ft. retail space (or two retail spaces) have been leaning towards a restaurant or bank (but not a gym). DZLU discussion ensued and one issue we felt strongly about was to support the 0.75:1 parking ratio to alleviate pressures on parking on nearby Polk Street.

DZLU has drafted a letter to Planning for RHN Board approval supporting the maximum number of parking spaces permitted via Conditional Use of 0.75:1. The Conditional Use hearing is on December 14th.

b. Whole Foods 365 at 1600 Jackson Street @ Polk: WF365 held a community meeting on October 17th with several neighbors expressing support for the store. Rob Twyman and other VPs presented.

DZLU has drafted an updated letter of support for RHN Board approval. The Conditional Use hearing has been set for December 7th.

c. 915 North Point @ Larkin: DZLU representative attended the Pre-App meeting on 10/17. The developer, Jamestown (the same developer as Ghirardelli Square), proposes replacement of a garage with 37 condos and ground level commercial in a 4-story structure, within the 40-foot height limit. It is directly across the street from Ghirardelli Sq. and neighbors’ concerns include the 4-story scale (some wanted reduction of a story, and some a top level setback on North Point as well as greater setbacks on Larkin). Concerns about shadows and about traffic congestion were also raised. DZLU asked that the next iteration of plans be sent. DZLU will also be interested to see the parking percentages.

d. 982 Green Street: The Mandatory DR and Variance hearing has been continued from 10/5/17 to 11/30/17. The RHN Board has approved and issued a letter to Planning reinforcing enforcement actions and a full historic façade restoration.

e. Wireless Antennae on Wooden Poles: Verizon had offered to move the pole at 2215 Leavenworth southward and position it between two trees. As Verizon has not yet submitted a proposal on this, the status is unresolved.

Regarding Verizon’s proposal for another wireless antenna installation near the Greenwich Court at 2201 Leavenworth, DZLU is encouraging participation at a Board of Appeals hearing on this on December 13th at 5 pm. The RHN Board had submitted a letter to DPW supporting the denial of this installation on 7/7/17.

f. Undergrounding of Utilities: Supervisor Sandra Fewer is advocating a master plan for undergrounding the rest of the city, but only $125,000 has been approved for it. There are questions about the estimated costs for undergrounding. In a related initiative, installation of city-wide fiber optics is being promoted by Supervisor Mark Farrell. We understand these are planned to be in 18” trenches, which would, however, be too small to incorporate other utilities.

2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES:

a. Commercial Uses in Polk/Pacific Neighborhood Commercial Districts—Planning Code Amendments: DZLU recently became aware of these amendments and needs to do further research. There is concern about the adequacy of outreach to the neighborhood.

b. Residential Expansion Threshold (large home authorization): This legislation is an attempt to regulate so-called “McMansions”. Depending upon the neighborhood, if a project is over specified FAR’s it would be subject to design review. This aims to set clearer guidelines for developers. DZLU recommends that the policy proposal include clearer diagrams or visual examples as an aid to better understanding and evaluating it.

c. RHN Land Use and Development Principles: To be posted on the RHN website. This is intended to offer a general, broad framework—a starting point for evaluating and constructively shaping proposed projects and policies. We welcome input, as it’s meant to be a “living document” that will continue to evolve as we test it out.