DZLU May Report

The DZLU Committee met on Tuesday, May 24, 2016.
The following is a summary of some of the issues discussed:
NEW PROJECTS
2454 Hyde Street ‐‐ Norwegian Seamen’s Church.
A committee member attended last month’s pre‐application meeting. The Church is proposing a voluntary seismic and accessibility upgrades, including a horizontal addition at the ground level, expansion of the existing terrace to the east, the addition of one handicap parking place,
a roof deck and other changes. The discussion centered on what impact the project might have on Russian Hill as a whole. The building is prominent in both its location and its appearance, and is frequently used for meetings by local community groups, as well as being rented out for private parties (weddings, memorial services, etc.) The church would like to have RHN’s endorsement. Following RHN’s regular procedure, RHN would need to have a presentation from the Church, as well as from any opposing neighbors, if any.

Radio Frequency impact.
RHN has been receiving inquiries from concerned neighbors regarding the possible effects of radio waves and studies showing the negative health impacts of radio frequencies being emitted from various antennas and equipment. Many feel that these studies are largely ignored by local and national agencies and officials. Interested committee members will attempt to become familiar with these technical studies.

ACTIVE PROJECT
Inclusionary Housing Bonus Program
There are several competing proposals at both the local and state levels that will affect this program going forward. DZLU will continue to monitor the various proposals.
Polk Street Formula Retail Ban ‐‐ District 3 Supervisor Peskin’s proposed legislation banning “formula retail” on Polk Street
As submitted, this ban would preclude the possibility of the proposed WF365 being allowed to occupy the former Lombardi Sports building at the corner of Jackson and Polk Streets.  UPDATE: Several representatives of RHN and DZLU attended the June 2, 2016 Planning
Commission hearing, speaking against the blanket ban and in favor of continuing to allow the existing Conditional Use Application process serve as a means of vetting projects hoping to operate along the Polk Street NCD (Neighborhood Commercial District). By the slim margin of 4 to 3, the Planning Commissions voted against recommending passage by the Board of Supervisors. This item will be next heard at the Small Business Commission, followed by the Land Use Committee of the BOS. Supervisor Peskin’s aide, Sunny Angulo stated that the Supervisor would amend his proposed legislation to “grandfather” the WF 365 project to allow it to continue its conditional use application process, since this ban would no longer apply to it.

San Francisco Art Institute Master Plan
No member of the committee was able to attend the April 21, 2016 Planning Commission hearing. After trying to locate the Master Plan online, DZLU hopes to review it for its impact on Russian Hill as a whole, and report.
812 Green Street
The request for a variance is listed on the May 25, 2016 Variance Hearing agenda. The Sponsors are circulating a petition through change.org to obtain public support, which would allow their extended family to occupy the building and meet the family’s needs. (UPDATE: Since
the meeting, it has been reported in the social media that this variance has been granted.)
1023 Vallejo Street ‐‐ Julia Morgan designed residence
The project sponsors are scheduled to present their proposed plans at the June 2016 DZLU Committee meeting. They will be required to submit a Historic Resource Evaluation (HRE); the variance hearing date has not yet been scheduled.
1281‐1283 Greenwich ‐‐ Driveway Encroachment/Landscaping
Several neighbors are concerned with the apparent slow progress and seeming inactivity to complete this work. We hope to contact the property owner to learn the status and anticipated completion date.
1338 Filbert Street Cottages
Work continues on the exteriors and interiors of the cottages.
NOTICES RECEIVED
850 Bay Street and 760 Union Street – Penthouse and Roof Deck
Both projects appear to be code compliant. The committee will review RHN’s roof deck policy as adopted by the Board to ensure that both projects conform to the policy.
1750 Taylor Street ‐‐ Unit Merger
DZLU did not pursue this project.
UPDATE: The Planning Commission originally voted an “intent to disapprove” the merger at their prior meeting, but reversed their decision and voted to approve the merger at the June 2, 2016 Planning Commission hearing. This will allow the property owner to accommodate his
extended family and continue to occupy the two units.
ONGOING PROJECTS
Leavenworth Street Planter Boxes ‐‐ to prevent sidewalk parking
Owners of several properties on the West side of the 2200 Block of Leavenworth Street have installed trees and plants in new planters cut into the sidewalks to prevent cars from illegally parking on this sidewalk. This solution both beautifies the neighborhood and provides added safety to residents and visitors on the sidewalks.
Lombard Street Ambassador Program:
It was announced at the recent RHN sponsored Safety Forum that the Ambassador program will return this summer to mitigate issues caused by the popularity of the crooked part of Lombard Street.
Macondray Lane Stairs
After a very long effort, the stairs are completed and being used. Congratulations and thanks to all who helped make this happen!
Undergrounding of Utilities
SFCUU has created an impressive Supervisors’ Handbook and is in the process of distributing it.  They have scheduled meetings with Supervisors Peskin, Farrell, Tang, Weiner and Cohen, and are reaching out to others. They also hope to meet with the Interim Budget Director with the
hopes that the City’s budget will include funds to study the issue.
Wireless Antennae Installations on Poles
Russian Hill has seen a dramatic increase in the number of wireless antennae and supporting equipment being installed in our neighborhood. The committee has continued concerns about the application approval process and the lack of influence on it by citizen opponents.