DZLU MEETING DATE: November 21, 2017
1. ONGOING PROJECTS:
a. 915 North Point @ Larkin: Dave Harty, VP of Development & Construction for Jamestown, presented the proposed project to DZLU. Jamestown developed and manages Ghirardelli Sq. They plan to demolish the existing parking garage and build a 4-story 37-unit residential building with 1 floor of parking and approximately 1,000 sf of retail at the ground floor. Height would be within allowed zoning. 29 parking spaces are planned for 37 units. (Note that zoning requires 1:1, but Planning advocates reduced parking.)
Jamestown had presented their plans at a Pre-Application meeting on 10/17. In response to concerns about the project scale, they have set back the fourth floor by 8 feet on the North Point side, though some neighbors had sought greater reductions in scale and height. They have also provided setbacks ranging from 4-ft to 12-ft from Larkin St. neighbors to provide more light. In response to other comments, they have located the parking entrance farther away from the corner and clustered the retail space closer to the corner.
They are exploring providing the affordable units on-site, which is RHN’s preference. Discussion ensued whether their project would block views of the Ghirardelli Clock Tower and our initial impression, pending more analysis by the sponsor, is that the project does not appear to significantly impact views. One variance will be required for a small extension into the rear yard.
The Conditional Use submittal, which we understand is triggered by the lot area, is anticipated before the New Year. We suggested that Jamestown update their drawings to clearly show, in three dimensions, the revised massing and setbacks with sufficient neighborhood context, so that we can continue to fully evaluate the project. We urged that they reach out again to concerned neighbors with their updated designs. DZLU will invite representatives of concerned neighbors to speak to us early in the new year.
b. Whole Foods 365 at 1600 Jackson: RHN is actively engaged and on record supporting this project. Please see the separate eblast dedicated to this subject that provides project background and information about the Conditional Use hearing before the Planning Commission scheduled for January. The eblast includes actions that residents can take to convey their position to the Planning Commission, such as writing letters and offering testimony.
c. Philz Coffee at 2230-2234 Polk: Philz submitted a Conditional Use application (required because it is considered formula retail) to Planning on 11/17. RHN is researching this and has no position at this time. It was noted that some oppose yet another coffee shop in a neighborhood some feel is saturated with such a use. On the other hand, some are concerned that alternative uses that could be proposed for this site as-of-right (with no need for a conditional use approval) could be less desirable. Other considerations include concern about another vacant storefront; that such stores keep the street lively; that Philz is popular and offers a quality product; and that it is a “home-grown” chain.
d. 2465 Van Ness @ Union: A Conditional Use hearing at the Planning Commission is scheduled for 12/14 for this 41-unit condominium project. RHN has advocated for a 0.75 parking ratio vs. 0.5 in a recent letter.
e. Union Street Replacement Street Lights: Margaux Kelly of Supervisor Farrell’s office is tracking this and is organizing a meeting with pertinent agencies including PG&E, PUC and MTA to review the details of the proposed installation and clarify the responsibilities of each agency. DZLU representation will be included.
f. 982 Green Street: A Mandatory Discretionary Review and Variance hearing at the Planning Commission had been scheduled for 11/30. RHN had issued a letter backing enforcement actions and a full historic façade restoration. The DR hearing has subsequently been cancelled, as the Owners have acceded to Planning’s preservation requirements. Planning cited RHN’s letter.
g. Wireless Antennae on Wooden Poles: A Board of Appeals hearing is on December 13th at 5 pm in City Hall, Room 416 regarding the proposed installation near the Greenwich Ct at 2201 Leavenworth. Participation is encouraged. RHN had submitted a letter to DPW supporting the denial of this installation on 7/7/17. We now seek the revocation of permit 16WR-0423 as it is in a location heavily populated with tourists and negatively impacts view corridors toward Coit Tower and Alcatraz.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES:
a. SF Urban Design Guidelines:
A revised version was available on 11/22. It has incorporated or acknowledged RHN’s prior comments. A Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for 12/21 for adoption.
Leave a Reply