The DZLU Committee met on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.
The following is a summary of some of the issues discussed:
1023 VALLEJO STREET: The DZLU Committee met with the property owners of 1023 Vallejo Street at a Committee member’s home to hear the proposed alterations to the property. The presentation included a 3D video modeling of their proposed project, which generated observations and questions. It was stated that RHN sponsored the creation of the Vallejo Street Crest Historic District in the 1980’s with the National Register. RHN’s concern is the historic preservation of the contributing Julia Morgan structure, and the potential impact of a remodel on the surrounding other contributing buildings. Concern was also expressed regarding possible negative impact on viewing the Historic District from the public right of way.
The project sponsors stated that the house is only visible from the Fairmont Hotel on Nob Hill and that the addition would block the view of the Cathedral from the lower floors of the properties to the North as well as block the view of North Beach from the lower floor of the property to the West.
Per the Pre-Application notice, the existing project is 3,430 square feet with a proposed total of 4,881 square feet (or an additional 1,451 square feet). The sponsors estimated an addition of about 700 square feet at the fourth floor; the remaining additional square footage may be referring to the creation of more interior usable living space on the first floor, which is currently covered outdoor and interior storage space, within the existing footprint.
A variance would be anticipated due to the site conditions.
Since the site is so unusual and inaccessible, DZLU members were invited to visit the property at a date and time to be determined.
The sponsors are in the process of preparing the City’s required HRE (Historic Resource Evaluation) and will be submitting it to Planning soon. DZLU looks forward to receiving a copy of the HRE since it should address the historic value of the property and influence how the project will be reviewed by the City.
Consistent with DZLU’s policy, the Committee will also meet with concerned opposing neighbors.
ACTIVE PROJECT
POLK STREET FORMULA RETAIL BAN: The proposed legislation was before the Planning Commission, where it was voted to not recommend passage, and before the Small Business Commission, where it was voted to recommend passage with the condition that the SBC receive a letter from the bill’s sponsor that applications already in the CU (Conditional Use) application process (including WF365) would be exempt from the ban, be received by the SBC prior to a hearing at the BOS Land-Use Committee. There will be two more opportunities for public comment: at the Land Use Committee of the Board of Supervisors and at the complete Board itself, dates to be determined. Further success will require stronger participation, great organization, and coordination of talking points. Subject to the RHN Board’s wishes and direction, DZLU will continue to fight the ban, not just because of Whole Foods 365; but also, because formula retail businesses contribute to an important mix of stores and services on Polk Street. The existing CU (Conditional Use) process is a sufficient safeguard against unwanted businesses.
NEW PROJECTS
870 Union Street: Storey poles were reported around this site at the north side of Union between Taylor and Mason. The owners plan to build a short new building at the back of their property where it meets the alley. Opposing neighbors cite the loss of light and air, and loss of open space.
1332 Greenwich: There is concern that the project as built appears taller than originally proposed. Committee members will follow up with the SF Planning website on this to see if approved plans match what was built.
NOTICE RECEIVED
819 Francisco: This was reported to be a small house built in 1974 and sold to new owners last November. The new owners plan to tear down the house to build a new three-story building. No one was able to attend the Pre-Application meeting last evening. DZLU will await receipt of the 311 Notice.
RC 2016-07-07
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