DZLU MEETING DATE: January 23, 2018
1. ONGOING PROJECTS:
a. 915 North Point at Larkin: DZLU will invite a representative of concerned neighbors to its February meeting. The developer, Jamestown, had presented last November. This project, across from Ghirardelli Sq., proposes to replace a parking garage with a new 4-story residential building, including 1 floor of parking with 29 parking spaces for 37 units.
b. Whole Foods 365 at 1600 Jackson: As previously reported, RHN is actively engaged and on record supporting this project. Several Planning Commission hearing dates have been postponed with a further postponement to March, which has not been confirmed or scheduled. It appears that there is continued concern about the loading dock and parking studies. Many neighbors have written letters and expressed support, but efforts need to continue. Please see RHN’s “Call to Action” in the 12/9/17 eblast with information about writing to the Commission, and please be on the lookout for future eblasts on this issue.
c. Philz Coffee at 2230-2234 Polk: Philz submitted a Conditional Use application for formula retail to Planning in November. No hearing date before the Planning Commission has yet been scheduled.
d. Wireless Antennae on Wooden Poles: Several neighbors spoke at the 12/13 hearing re 2201 Leavenworth. At that hearing 3 Commissioners voted to uphold the appeal but the appeal was denied as 4 votes are needed. The pole will be visually burdened with another equipment box. Re 2215 Leavenworth, Verizon has offered to have that pole moved south and a tree planted on either side of the pole, to partially alleviate the impact of the additional large equipment box on the pole. The fronting owner has agreed to this proposal. Neighbors need to remain vigilant about any more proposed installations threatening to come to other sensitive locations.
e. 1023 Vallejo Street (1917 Julia Morgan home): The building sold and is in contract. It has not been confirmed whether the new owners will pursue an expansion.
f. 1000 Broadway: The original project sponsor has regained ownership of the prominently sited residential development at Broadway and Taylor, and is working with architects Page & Turnbull to get it built to the original plans, which had been reviewed and supported by RHN several years ago.
g. 2465 Van Ness at Union: At a Conditional Use hearing on 12/15, the Planning Commission approved the project, but we are still uncertain what was decided re the parking ratio. RHN had advocated for a ratio of .75 spaces per unit, rather than .5.
h. 982 Green Street: Discretionary review before the Planning Commission had been cancelled as the owner had agreed to Planning’s requirements, and the Variance hearing had been postponed to 1/24/18. Architectural features of the historic south facade will be restored and new additions to the sides removed. One garage will be demolished and the second retained but reduced in height by removing the gable.
i. 1281-1283 Greenwich Driveway/Landscaping/Lengthy Construction: Longstanding PG&E issues have been resolved, work is now moving ahead with landscaping installation anticipated in May and completion planned for June 2018.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES:
a. SF URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES: A revised version is available and went to the Planning Commission for information on 1/11/18. Along with revising the UDGs in response to public comments, Planning staff are currently drafting Special Area Guidelines (SAGs) for North Beach and for Polk Street. DZLU representatives will seek a meeting with Planning to learn the status and request an opportunity for input, and will also share RHN’s Land Use and Development Principles.
b. POLK & PACIFIC NCD PLANNING CODE AMENDMENTS: These are in effect. RHN has been concerned because of an absence of outreach to us on this. It was decided to discuss this when DZLU meets with Planning regarding the Special Area Guidelines.
c. RESIDENTIAL EXPANSION THRESHOLD: The Planning Department has decided to table this program at this time. Planning will work to better define demolition.
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