DZLU MEETING DATE: August 20, 2019
1. ONGOING PROJECT UPDATES
a. 982 GREEN
DZLU has prepared a letter inquiring about the status and timeline of enforcement of Planning’s directive to restore the building’s historic façade. This is the oldest contributing structure in the Macondray Lane National Historic District. RHN had taken a position in a letter to Planning on 10/1/17, which endorsed Planning’s recommendations to restore the historic south facade and expressed RHN’s encouragement of on-going enforcement actions. This follow up letter seeks clarity on where the current responsibility for resolution lies, given the apparent delay in implementing the restoration, and seeks to encourage full coordination between DBI and Planning on this project.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES
a. TRANSIT-RICH HOUSING—STATE LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS—SB 50
A meeting with Sen. Wiener and DZLU/RHN representatives was held on August 23, 2019. The purpose of the meeting was to follow up on the six suggestions in RHN’s letter of 4-1-19. Issues included a recommendation for a sunset provision and local control priorities.
Currently, SB 50 is on hold until January. Sometime later this fall his
office will return to it and presumably take into consideration the things he is hearing from groups like ours. He said that our letter had been very thoughtful and then went through all of the points.
#1 – Avoid “double dipping” as could occur if a developer utilizes both existing incentive programs on top of the height and density increases provided in SB 50. He said that is on the list for consideration;
it is a complicated issue and he understands people are concerned.
#2 – Eliminate inclusion of San Francisco cable cars and the F trolley line from the definition of “major transit stop.” He seemed, more or less, to agree that the cable car point is valid; he was not as convinced regarding F historic trolley as he believes there are residents who use it for commuting. But he agreed those points will be considered.
#3 – Ensure local design guidelines can be utilized to sculpt buildings through such mechanisms as reasonable setbacks. He believes these are already protected under the current language of the bill.
#4 – Ensure local demolition restrictions may apply to historic districts. As with #3, he believes these are already protected under the current language of the bill.
#5 – Ensure there is strong enforcement of the 7-year rental exclusion.
He is willing to consider this as an alternative to a rental registry that some have proposed; open to enactment of a registry.
#6 – Include a sunset provision if a city meets its housing obligations. We spent the most time on this. He is willing to consider it if he can
figure out how it could be done. Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) is a “broken system” and cannot be used as a basis. Different jurisdictions have different circumstances, etc. A complicated issue, but he seemed willing to consider it.
b. UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES
A meeting of the San Francisco Coalition to Underground Utilities (SFCUU) with Supervisor Stefani on 7-25-19 indicated potential momentum on this issue.
Opportunities may arise to explore incorporating undergrounding fees within a future rate structure.
It has been announced that DPW together with Telamon (the undergrounding study consultants) is hosting a citywide outreach meeting to provide an update on the study for an undergrounding master plan. This meeting is on 9-18-19 at 2:00 pm in Koret Auditorium in the Main Library. All are encouraged to attend.
c. RESIDENTIAL DEMOLITION & ALTERATION CONTROLS
It is our understanding that the proposal in its current form will not move forward. Separate initiatives addressing individual issues may be taken up. Therefore, DZLU is not recommending issuing a comment letter at this time. We are asking that we be kept updated on this.
d. LOMBARD ST TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
Please see RHN’s website under Latest News, 8-2-19, and also under the Transportation Committee posting, for information about this topic including links to the 6-21-19 study “Lombard Crooked Street Reservation and Pricing System Study.” The link is also included below:
https://www.sfcta.org/projects/lombard-crooked-street#panel-reports-documents
RHN’s Board has expressed support for a pilot trial of the reservation system. It must be carefully executed with appropriate staffing, publicity, roll out, signage and monitoring.
e. POLK ST/PACIFIC AVE SPECIAL AREA GUIDELINES
The Board of Supervisors approved the guidelines on 7-30-19. RHN had previously provided input and endorsed them.
f. ACADEMY OF ART INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLAN
An informational public hearing at the Planning Commission was held on 7-25-19.
There appear to be two properties within RHN’s boundaries where new construction may be proposed. If they advance, they will have individual processes and notifications and RHN will stay informed.
(1) DaVinci Hotel at 2550 Van Ness (at Filbert). Student housing is anticipated.
(2)1946 Van Ness (at Jackson), formerly Ahrens Bakery. A new building may be proposed to refurbish “classic” cars.
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