DZLU MEETING DATE: Tuesday, August 23, 2022 (via Zoom)
1. ONGOING PROJECT UPDATES
a. MACONDRAY LANE ENTRY TRELLIS
The iconic gateway to Macondray Lane at Jones Street is a contributing feature of the Macondray Lane National Historic District, established in 1988 under RHN’s leadership. Built by a Lane resident in the 60s, it has lasted well beyond its anticipated lifespan. It is heavily dry-rotted and is markedly leaning, requiring replacement.
After discussions with Supervisor Peskin, who is supportive of replacement, it appears the most expeditious strategy is to pursue it as a private, donor-funded project, given the modest scale and cost of the trellis. RHN has discussed the appropriateness of a “replacement-in-kind” project with a historic resources consultant and we have obtained proposals from a contractor and gardener to execute the work. A funding strategy is being developed.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES
a. HOUSING—SF LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS
– Ongoing discussions at Board of Supervisors regarding proposed fourplex legislation:
Sup. Mandelman’s proposal to allow fourplexes on lots zoned for single-family use and six units if located on street corners had been approved by the Board of Supervisors. However, it was vetoed by Mayor Breed. Many housing advocates believe it included provisions that would discourage development such as allowing discretionary project review (contradicting State legislation under SB 9 that calls for ministerial review), as well as requiring that a landlord own the property for five years before being able to utilize this law. An attempt to override the veto failed.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/S-F-Mayor-Breed-vetoes-law-to-end-single-family-17320343.php
An alternative proposal by Sup. Safai requiring that at least one unit be affordable in return for ministerial review was approved by the Planning Commission with modifications. The added units would be subject to rent control. It has not yet advanced to the Board of Supervisors.
https://citypln-m-extnl.sfgov.org/Commissions/CPC/7_21_2022/Commission%20Packet/2021-012246PCA.pdf
– General affordable housing ballot measures:
A streamlining measure sponsored by Mayor Breed has qualified for the Nov. ballot, as has a competing measure by Sup. Chan. These measures would require ministerial, non-discretionary review of projects to house teachers, 100% affordable developments, and mixed income projects that include a set percentage of below-market units.
The competing measure imposes more aggressive requirements for below-market rate units and stricter union labor rules regarding specialized trades that many maintain would deter development.
b. SF HOUSING ELEMENT
The State has reiterated SF’s need to meet its obligation to produce 82,000 units by 2030. A draft has included a map (copied below) indicating that several blocks on Russian Hill west of Leavenworth St. would have allowable heights up to 65 feet, previously set at 40 feet. Higher limits are proposed along Polk and Van Ness.
Planning Dept. staff will present this to the Van Ness Corridor Neighborhood Coalition (of which RHN is a member) on 10/19. DZLU will prepare questions they would like to be addressed at that meeting, including clarification of potential Russian Hill changes and impacts. A link to a Chronicle article with more background is below.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/housing-California-construction-17368517.php
c. STATE AB 2011 PROPOSAL TO STREAMLINE OFFICE CONVERSION TO HOUSING
The legislature passed this bill which is now awaiting the Governor’s signature. This provides for ministerial approvals of projects that convert commercial space to housing. Commercial space would include office buildings, commercial strips and parking. This may have long-term potential to help revitalize downtown and has recently been covered prominently in the national news including the New York Times.
d. SF PLAN FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY
A Historic Resources Assessment pilot program has been set up with 45 Montclair Ter. as a model. DZLU has invited Planning staff with expertise in this area to our October meeting to present the survey status as well as an update on the development of any other recent preservation activities of the department.
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