DATE/TIME: Nov. 19, 2024
1. ONGOING PROJECT UPDATES
a. 906 Broadway—“The Melody” proposal at Guadalupe Church
Presentation by Taylor Jordan of Lighthouse Public Affairs
Taylor Jordan presented the project to DZLU joined by a representative of the new owners, Noah Masimore, and an event coordinator. Results of an acoustic study by Salter Associates was shared indicating sounds levels would not exceed the City’s 80 decibel maximum. DZLU was supportive of the reuse of this landmark Guadalupe Church building as a special event venue.
A draft letter recommending RHN Board support for the project, as outlined in the Conditional Use application of 3/28/24, was prepared for Board review.
b. 1298 Union – Pegasus Food Shop
DZLU has drafted a note to DBI reinforcing a neighbor’s recent complaint over this decades-long abandoned and unmaintained store. Several years ago, DZLU had also submitted an inquiry and had reached out to Sup. Peskin’s office. Upon RHN’s Executive Committee approval, the note was issued.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES
a. Housing Policy Updates:
– Adding historic properties to SF Register
https://www.sfexaminer.com/news/housing/preservationists-race-to-protect-sfs-historic-buildings/article_dc717ff6-4a0f-11ef-9ab6-33dde0602305.html
Planning has prepared a spreadsheet of buildings on Russian Hill currently eligible for City landmarking. DZLU will familiarize itself with the list, provide input on potential prioritization and will seek feedback from the historic preservation community (e.g. Heritage, historian Bill Kostura) on ideas to help support and expedite Plannings’ effort to landmark appropriate structures.
b. Rezoning Status
https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2024/10/31/san-francisco-housing-choice-rezoning-plan.html
With the election of a new mayor and several new supervisors, we anticipate further iterations of the rezoning proposals early this year, potentially with a greater emphasis on midrise vs. high-rise development along neighborhood commercial corridors.
c. Empty Homes Tax
https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/news/2024/11/01/empty-homes-tax-ballot-vacant-judge-preston.html
The tax on residential vacancies longer than six months in buildings with three or more units was established via a 2022 ballot measure and scheduled to be implemented in 2025. It was ruled unconstitutional by a San Francisco Superior Court judge. The City will review the ruling and decide whether or not to appeal.
d. Staircases—Code Policy to Incentivize Housing
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sf-housing-staircases-19857913.php
The City’s Fire Marshal, Dept. of Building Inspection and Planning Dept. may convene a working group to explore permitting apartment buildings of up to 6 stories to be constructed around a centralized single staircase, rather than the two stairs currently required. This is common in Europe and has been implemented in Seattle to save costs and improve architectural quality.
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