DZLU MEETING DATE: March 20, 2018
1. ONGOING PROJECT UPDATES:
a. WHOLE FOODS 365 at 1600 JACKSON
PLEASE BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR FUTURE EBLASTS SPECIFICALLY ON THIS ISSUE.
The Conditional Use hearing before the Planning Commission has been scheduled for April 26th, sometime after 1PM.
(1) Please send individual letters to the Planning Commission, if you have not done so recently, at least one week in advance of the hearing.
(2) Please attend the hearing and express your opinion and reasons!
b. 982 GREEN — A variance was approved on 1-24-2018 allowing historic restoration to proceed on this project, which had undertaken significant work without all permits. Neighbors’ expectation is that construction will commence and be completed in full accordance with the City’s directives on historic preservation of the south elevation. This work includes removal of side additions, installation of appropriate windows and trim, removal of the eastern garage and reduction in height of the 2nd garage by removing its gable. (The variance was for an extension on the non-historic north elevation and for the front yard location of the permitted carport.) In September 2017, RHN issued a letter to Planning (which Planning later cited in its actions) reinforcing the full restoration directives and other enforcement actions.
2. ONGOING POLICY UPDATES:
a. SB 827 TRANSIT-RICH HOUSING – Sen. Scott Wiener’s state-wide proposed legislation would allow a development within ¼ mile of a major transit stop to be built higher than existing zoning limits in order to provide additional housing, without local input. Heights would be a function of street width.
This is a highly controversial new piece of legislation, with the expectation that many modifications will be made to be more inclusive of San Francisco’s specific needs and challenges, and responsive to input from RHN. Our recommendation is to review all information and to carefully and thoughtfully follow the legislation through the amendment process, prior to taking any position. Amendments have been offered to strengthen demolition and displacement protections. Ongoing work on the bill is warranted to reflect the high density of Russian Hill and SF’s northeastern neighborhoods and their unique urban design and historic qualities.
b. SF URBAN DESIGN GUIDELINES – This went to Planning Commission for final approval 3-22-18 (status to be confirmed). RHN had sent a letter providing comments over a year ago which have been incorporated or acknowledged. DZLU does not object to latest draft.
c. UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES
i. Endorsement secured from India Basin Neighborhood Association, and ongoing discussions with other groups,
ii. Starting a monthly SFCUU newsletter,
iii. Exploring the idea of moving the Master Plan to SFPUC and funding potential,
iv. SFCUU is supporting Proposition A in June election regarding SFPUC bonds for water & green power,
v. SFCUU highlighted recent Chronicle report on PG&E undergrounding funds being directed to other system improvements and municipality credits being cut without discussion, and
vi. SFCUU is working to secure a meeting with new D2 supervisor Catherine Stefani.
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