August 16, 2001
SAN FRANCISCO PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Thursday, August 16, 2001
1:30 PM
Regular Meeting
PRESENT: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY VICE PRESIDENT FAY AT 1:37 p.m.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Gerald G. Green, Director of Planning; Larry Badiner, Zoning Administrator; Vahram Massehian; Adam Light; Matt Snyder; Michael Smith; Mary Woods; Glenn Cabreros; Allison Borden; Nora Priego, Transcription Secretary; Andrea Green, Acting Commission Secretary
A. ITEMS PROPOSED FOR CONTINUANCE
1. 2001.0604C (WOLOSHYN: 558-6612)
3928 GEARY BOULEVARD - north side between Third and Fourth Avenues and Divisadero Streets, Lot 016 in Assessor's Block 1435 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization under Planning Code Section 712.61 to operate an automobile rental establishment within an NC-3 (Moderate-Scale Neighborhood Commercial) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. The proposal is to convert an existing automobile repair establishment (Harry's Auto Repair) to an automobile rental establishment (Hertz). The proposed automobile rental facility will operate within the current footprint of the building. Minor internal changes are proposed as part of the conversion.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
(Proposed for Continuance to August 23, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to August 23, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
2a. 1997.0478ZMRK (LI: 558-6396)
525 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE - southwest corner at Polk Street; Lot 001 in Assessor’s Block 0766 - Request for reclassification of Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 0766 from a P (Public) District and a 130-E Height and Bulk District to a P (Public) District and a 200-L Height and Bulk District. The proposal is to amend the official zoning maps of the City and County of San Francisco to change the height and bulk district classification of Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 0766 from 130-E to 200-L to accommodate a proposed 14-story, 181-foot-high City Administrative Office Building. The use district classification of the subject property will remain the same.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
(Proposed for Continuance to August 23, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to August 23, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
2b. 1997.478ZMRK (LI: 558-6396)
525 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE - southwest corner at Polk Street; Lot 001 in Assessor’s Block 0766 - Request to amend Maps 4 and 5 of the Urban Design Element of the General Plan in connection with a proposed 14-story, 181-foot-high City Administrative Office Building. The proposal is to amend Map 4 (Urban Design Guidelines for Height of Buildings) to show the height designation of Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 0766 as 161-240 feet. The current height designation is 89-160 feet. The proposal is to amend Map 5 (Urban Design Guidelines for Bulk of Buildings) to show the bulk designation of Lot 001 in Assessor's Block 0766 as follows: the guidelines shall apply above a height of 150 feet with a maximum plan dimension of 250 feet and a maximum diagonal dimension of 300 feet. The current bulk designation is as follows: the guidelines apply above a height of 80 feet with a maximum plan dimension of 110 feet and a maximum diagonal dimension of 125 feet.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
(Proposed for Continuance to August 23, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to August 23, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
2c. 1997.478ZMRK (LI: 558-6396)
525 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE - southwest corner at Polk Street; Lot 001 in Assessor’s Block 0766 - Request for a General Plan Referral to determine if the construction of a proposed 14-story, 181-foot-high City Administrative Office Building is consistent with the objectives and policies of the General Plan.
Preliminary Recommendation: Determination that the project is consistent with the objectives and policies of the General Plan
(Proposed for Continuance to August 23, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to August 23, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
2d. 1997.478ZMRK (LI: 558-6396)
525 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE - southwest corner at Polk Street; Lot 001 in Assessor’s Block 0766 - Request for a determination of the shadow impact significance on Civic Center Plaza from the construction of a proposed 14-story, 181-foot-high City Administrative Office Building.
Preliminary Recommendation: Determination of no significant shadow impact
(Proposed for Continuance to August 23, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to August 23, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
3. 2000.1165B (BRESSANUTTI: 558-6892)
2 HENRY ADAMS STREET - west side between Division Street and Alameda Street; Lot 1 in Assessor’s Block 3910 - Request under Planning Code Sections 320-322 for project authorization of an office development consisting of the conversion of up to 49,900 square feet in an existing building (San Francisco Design Center) from wholesale design showroom space to office space. This notice shall also set forth an initial determination of the net addition of gross square feet of office space, pursuant to Planning Code Section 313.4. The subject property is located in an M-2 (Heavy Industrial) District and the Industrial Protection Zone, and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Pending
(Continued from Regular Meeting of July 19, 2001)
(Proposed for Continuance to August 23, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Project Withdrawn
4a. 2000.961EZC (TURRELL: 558-5994)
1101 O’FARRELL STREET - Appeal of a Preliminary Negative Declaration. Assessor’s Block 713, Lot 33, and Block 720, Lots 28, 35, 36, and 38. The proposed project involves demolition of the existing 15,000-square-foot, three-story Urban Life Center building, which contains social service and office uses, and construction of a 297,000-square-foot, 240-foot-tall structure with 240 units of senior housing. Approximately 86 on-site below-ground parking spaces would be provided. The project also involves the seismic upgrade of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and relocation of about 5,000 square feet of social services space from the Urban Life Center building to the adjacent Martin Luther Tower. The 80,400-square-foot site is located in an RM-4 (Residential, Mixed: High Density) Zoning District within the Western Addition neighborhood. Lots 28, 35, and 36 of Block 720 are within an 80-B Height and Bulk District; the remainder of the site is within a 240-E Height and Bulk District. The project would require approval of a lot subdivision and merger, a height reclassification, and Conditional Use authorization for a Planned Unit Development. The project would also require a Certificate of Appropriateness for seismic upgrade of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, City Landmark No. 41.
Preliminary Recommendation: Uphold Negative Declaration
(Continued from Regular Meeting of July 12, 2001)
(Proposed for Continuance to September 6, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to September 6, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
4b. 2000.961EZC (WOODS: 558-6315)
1101 O'FARRELL STREET (A.K.A. STARR KING WAY) - southwest corner of O’Farrell and Franklin Streets, Lot 33 in Assessor’s Block 713 and Lots 35 and 36 in Assessor’s Block 720 - Request to reclassify the existing Height and Bulk Districts of Lots 35 and 36 from 80-B to 240-G; and reclassify the existing Bulk District of Lot 33 from 240-E to 240-G in an RM-4 (Residential, Mixed, High Density) Zoning District. The existing Zoning District would not change. The reclassification is being sought to allow the development of a 240-unit senior housing facility (St. Mark’s Square).
Preliminary Recommendation: Pending
(Continued from Regular Meeting of July 12, 2001)
(Proposed for Continuance to September 6, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to September 6, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
4c. 2000.961EZC (WOODS: 558-6315)
1101 O'FARRELL STREET (A.K.A. STARR KING WAY) - southwest corner of O’Farrell and Franklin Streets, Lot 33 in Assessor’s Block 713, and Lots 35 and 36 in Assessor’s Block 720 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization under Sections 253, 303 and 304 of the `Planning Code to permit a Planned Unit Development for the construction of a 23 story, 240 foot tall, 240-unit senior housing facility in an RM-4 (Residential, Mixed, High Density) Zoning District and a 240-G Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Pending
(Continued from Regular Meeting of July 12, 2001)
(Proposed for Continuance to September 6, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to September 6, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
5. 2001.0552C (SIROIS: 558-6313)
4610 MISSION STREET - north side of Mission Street, between San Juan Avenue and Norton Street, Lot 003 Assessor’s Block 3206 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization to install a wireless telecommunications facility pursuant to Planning Code Section 712.83, which includes the installation of eight panel antennas, one GPS antenna and associated equipment cabinets in an NC-3 (Moderate-Scale Neighborhood Commercial) District and a 65-A Height and Bulk District. The subject site is a Preference Location 4.
Preliminary Recommendation: Pending
(Proposed for Continuance to September 6, 2001) September 13, 2001
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to September 13, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
6. 2000.0173C (LIGHT: 558-6254)
500 FRANCISCO STREET (A.K.A. 401-499 BAY STREET & 501-599 BAY STREET) - north side of Francisco Street between Mason Street and Columbus Avenue; Lot 1 in both Assessor’s Blocks 42 and 43 - Request for a Conditional Use Authorization of a planned unit development to demolish an existing 229-unit public housing complex (North Beach Housing Project) and replace it with a mixed use development that would include approximately 360 affordable housing units, about 48 of which would be senior housing units; a child care center for up to 38 children; a computer learning center; ground floor retail uses; incubator office space for businesses operated by project residents and community-serving businesses; and approximately 330 below grade parking spaces. The proposed project would include about 338,000 square feet of residential space, about 4,000 square feet for the child care center, about 8,000 square feet for the computer learning center and other community space, and approximately 20,000 square feet of commercial space, in an RM-3 (Residential, Mixed, Medium Density) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
(Continued from Regular Hearing of July 19, 2001)
(Proposed for Continuance to September 13, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to September 13, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
7. 2001.0502C (SANCHEZ: 558-667)
4715-4723 GEARY BOULEVARD - southside between 11th and 12th Avenues; Lot 044 in Assessor’s Block 1533 - Request for Conditional Use authorization pursuant to Section 712.83 of the Planning Code to install a total of six antennas and related equipment on the rooftop and an equipment shelter on the ground level of an existing six story, mixed-use (residential above commercial) building, as part of Metro PCS's wireless telecommunications network within an NC-3 (Moderate-Scale Neighborhood Commercial) District and 40-X Height and Bulk District. As per the City & County of San Francisco's Wireless Transmission Services (WTS) Facilities Siting Guidelines the proposal is a Location Preference 5 (Mixed-Use Building in High Density Districts).
Preliminary Recommendation: Pending
(Proposed for Continuance to October 4, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to October 4, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
8. 2001.0254D (CABREROS: 558-6169)
3040 STEINER STREET - east side between Filbert and Union Streets, Lot 050 in Assessor’s Block 0534 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 9913355S, proposing to construct a one-story penthouse measuring approximately 10x15 feet (150 square feet) on top of the flat roof of the existing two-unit building, with access to a new 300 square-foot roof deck to contain a spa in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and approve the project with modifications.
(Proposed for Continuance to October 11, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued to October 11, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
B. COMMISSIONERS' QUESTIONS AND MATTERS
9. Consideration of Adoption - draft minutes of June 14 and June 28, 2001.
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
10. Commission Matters
Commissioner Baltimore:
Re: Bay View
She would like to request that staff invite members of the PAC of Bay View Hunters Point and the Redevelopment Agency.
Director Green will schedule this item under the Director's Report on September 6, 2001.
Commissioner Chinchilla:
Re: Transportation and Land Use Committee Meeting
He was able to view the committee's last meeting and was upset to see that an unnamed Supervisor criticized an unnamed Planning Commissioner for the Planning Commissioner honoring his oath of office and requiring the City to enforce the affordable housing policy as written. He is glad that there are rules and regulations in order to avoid arbitrating capricious actions on the part of governmental agencies and wayward and misguided legislators.
Commissioner Salinas
Re: Continuances
He is opposed to the kind of continuances which are happening at the Planning Commission Hearings since this is causing a domino affect on the remainder of the hearings scheduled.
C. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
11. Director's Announcements
Re: Continuances
- He realizes the frustration everyone is having regarding continuances.
- Many times the request for a continuance is because the case might be close to being settled. This would justify the continuance.
Re: Special Use District – Industrial Protection Zone for the Bay View Hunter's Point
- Because of the fact that Mr. Maltzer had to be hospitalized, this item will be continued to September 6, 2001 and not on August 23, 2001 as it had been originally scheduled.
Re: Commissioner Baltimore's Request
- The PAC of the Bay View Hunter's Point area will be scheduled on September 6, 2001.
Re: De Young Museum
- On Monday, August 20, 2001, Paul Maltzer and he will be attending the Board of Supervisors meeting to respond to an appeal of an action the Commission took regarding certifying the environmental impact report on the new De Young Museum. The Board of Supervisors will determine if this document is accurate. Unfortunately, the document is inaccurate since some of the data which the department received was flawed. This caused the report to be inaccurate in regards to the shadow analysis report. The consultants did not do the proper investigation. The director will request that the document be remanded back to the Planning Commission and a hearing can be held on an updated and accurate document.
Re: Neighborhoods Program
- They have been working with neighborhoods and neighborhood representatives.
- There will be 3 workshops for Balboa Park which will be on September 5, 2001; September 8, 2001; September 19, 2001.
- There are mailers which are being sent today.
- A public workshop on September 25, 2001 will be held regarding the Waterfront.
- They are working on a workshop in early October for the Market and Octavia workshops.
12. Review of Past Week's Events at the Board of Supervisors and Board of Appeals
BOS – None
BOA – None
D. REGULAR CALENDAR
13. 2001.0558C (MASSEHIAN: 558-6363)
225 CLEMENT STREET - south side between 3rd and 4th Avenues, Lot 41 in Assessor’s Block 1435 - Request for Conditional Use Authorization under Section 186.1(c)(3)(A) of the Planning Code to convert a non-conforming Large Fast Food Restaurant (London Fish and Chips) to a Full-Service Restaurant (Q Restaurant) in the Inner Clement NCD (Neighborhood Commercial District) and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. The new use shall be classified as a non-conforming use.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with conditions
SPEAKER(S):
(+) Steve Vettel
- If this authorization is not approved, this project will revert to a fast food service restaurant.
(+) Erwin Phillips – President of the Clement Street Merchants
- He hopes that this item is approved since they would like to have the full service restaurant.
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
MOTION: 16206
14. 2000.1140X (LIGHT: 558-6254)
1 POWELL STREET - west side between Eddy and Ellis Streets, Lot 5 in Assessor’s Block 330 - Request under Planning Code Section 309 (Downtown Code) for Determination of Compliance to make minor modifications to the ground floor entrance and windows of the subject property to accommodate a retail store, and to seismically retrofit the existing 138-foot tall, seven-story over basement building containing a ground level retail banking office with office uses on the upper floors. The seismic retrofitting will be accomplished by infilling a large light well on the north side of the property with a structural system that will provide proper seismic reinforcement for the building. No Exceptions under Section 309 of the Planning Code are requested by the proposed project. The project is in a C-3-R (Downtown, Retail) zoning district, a 110-X height and bulk district, and in the Kearny-Market-Mason-Sutter Conservation District. The building is rated as a Category I building under the Downtown Plan.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued Without Hearing to August 23, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
15. 2000.1104C (M. SNYDER: 575-6891)
488 BRYANT STREET - north side between 2nd and 3rd Street, Lot 18 in Assessor's Block 3763 - Request for Conditional Use authorization under Planning Code Section 817.73 and 227(h) to install three panel antennas on the building rooftop and related backup equipment within the building in an SLI (Service Light Industrial Mixed-Use) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. This is a Preference Location 4.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
(Continued from Regular Meeting of August 9, 2001)
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued Without Hearing to August 23, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
NAYES: Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
16. 2001.0503C (M.SNYDER: 575-6891)
434-450 HARRISON STREET - A.K.A. THE SAILOR'S UNION OF THE PACIFIC - northeast corner of Harrison and 1st Streets, Lot 12 in Assessor's Block 3748 - Request for Conditional Use authorization under Planning Code Section 209.6(b) to allow three sectors of antennas (three in each sector for a total of nine antennas) flush mounted on the top of the building's south, east and west walls, and a base transceiver station on the property, in an RC-4 (Residential -Commercial Combined, High Density) District, the Rincon Hill Special Use District (Residential Subdistrict), and a 250-R Height and Bulk District. The installation of the antennas and related equipment would be part of a wireless transmission network operated by Metro PCS. This is a preference Location 2, a co-location site, a site on which legal wireless telecommunication facilities are currently located.
Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
SPEAKER(S):
(+) Debra Stein
- She is available to answer any questions Commissioners may have.
(+) Bill Leonard
- He is also available to answer any questions.
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim
NAYES: Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
MOTION: 16207
17. 2000.581C (SMITH: 558-6322)
455 & 457 BUENA VISTA AVENUE EAST - east side of the street between Upper Terrace and Park Hill Avenue, Lot 270 (formerly Lots 059 & 060) in Assessor’s Block 2607- Request for Conditional Use Authorization for dwelling unit density at a density ratio of one dwelling unit per 1,000 square feet of lot area per Planning Code Section 209.1(h) to construct one four unit building in a RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
SPEAKER(S):
(+) William Walters – Project Architect
- The amount stated on the report is not a combination of land value and structure value. The amount is for structure only.
- There were a few neighborhood meetings and the issues brought up at these meetings were dealt with already.
- The current issue deals with density only.
ACTION: Continued to September 13, 2001 in order to request the attendance of a DBI representative and the engineer who prepared the demolition report.
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
E. DISCRETIONARY REVIEW HEARING
At Approximately 3:00 PM the Planning Commission convened into a Discretionary Review (DR) Hearing to hear and act on Discretionary Review matters.
18. 2001.0665D (WOODS: 558-6315)
830 LAKE STREET - north side between 9th and 10th Avenues, Lot 11 in Assessor’s Block 1349 - Staff-initiated request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2001/03/19/4652S, proposing to merge two dwelling units in a six-unit building resulting in a five-unit building in an RM-1 (Residential, Mixed, Low Density) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the application as submitted.
SPEAKER(S):
(+) David Cincotta – Representing Project Sponsor
- Thanked the planner, Mary Woods, for her hard work.
- The proposal is to create a large enough condominium unit for an entire family to live in.
- There is a single family in both units.
- This is a unique situation and there is no displacement.
- The family is trying to stay together and not have to move.
(+) Ken Gladstein – Project Sponsor
- They are all here in order to be allowed to join the two units and be able to keep the family together.
- His wife has owned the two condominium units for 15 years.
- They are currently a family who is growing.
- This would also provide additional living and sleeping space.
- They are not doing this at the expense of anyone.
- If this project is not approved, they would have to move and this would not be financially possible for them.
(+) Linda Cuenco
- She is here as a mother and trying to urge the Commission to allow them to join these units.
- These units have been home for them for more than 15 years.
- There should be homes for families in this City.
- She hopes that the Commission will approve the project.
ACTION: Do not take DR and approve project as submitted.
AYES: Baltimore, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
NAYES: Chinchilla
ABSENT: Theoharis
19. 2001.0123D (CABREROS: 558-6169)
2252 BEACH STREET - north side between Baker and Broderick Streets, Lot 009C in Assessor’s Block 0915 - Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2000/10/20/3640 proposing to add a full third story (approximately 2,000 square feet), a three-story rear addition extending to the required rear yard line, and a one-story extension with deck above projecting into the rear yard as a permitted obstruction to an existing one-story over garage, single-family residence in an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the plans as submitted.
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued Without Hearing to September 6, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
20. 2001.1183DDD (BORDEN: 558-6321)
1725 LAKE STREET - south side between 18th and 19th Avenues, Lot 035 in Assessor’s Block 1378 - Requests for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2000/07/03/4299’S’ proposing to add two floors, an extension to the rear and additions to both sides and the front of an existing single-family house in an RH-2 (House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the building permit application as revised.
SPEAKER(S):
(-) Steve Williams – Representing one of the DR requestors.
- This is the same case that was brought to the Commission about 3 years ago.
- The Commission stated findings on this case on March 20, 1998. At that time the Commission found that this project was in violation of the priority policies of the Master Plan and the Housing Element of the Master Plan.
- There is a petition that has 80 names of people opposed to the project in 1998.
- There is a resolution from San Francisco Neighborhoods who oppose the project.
- He walked from his house up to the subject house and took a photo of the small houses along the way. This project would set a precedent in this neighborhood.
- Last time, there was a unanimous decision to oppose this project.
(-) Larry Minnich – 2nd DR requestor
- He lives on Lake Street
- They felt that the neighborhood did not get a notice of the hearing.
- This is a replay of a situation 3 years ago. It also went to the Board of Appeals.
- A sound affordable house will be replaced by a 4-story monster structure.
- The packet indicated that the neighbors were not concerned and that they were not opposed. This is not true. There have been about 80 signatures from people who have signed a petition in opposition to this project.
- There were many people who were not able to attend because they couldn't take time off from work.
- He would like the 4th story eliminated.
- He likes his neighbors but he is just opposed to the project.
(-) Carl Marshall – 3rd DR Requestor
- He was also here in 1998 and the review board in 1999.
- The house is the same as it was at that time.
- His house looks good if you drive by it.
- They already have a 4th story in this neighborhood.
- The project sponsors are good people but the project is just too large.
- They have had very little notice about this hearing.
- They are against destroying this little house.
- He hopes that the Commission remembers the history a few years ago about this house.
(-) Yasuko Morimoto
- She has lived in this house for 31 years.
- These houses are the last of those built in 1906. She knows that the neighbors fought hard to save the house and not be demolished in 1998. They have also gone to 3 appeal hearings.
- This construction would be just as large as the original developer's construction.
- She hopes that there will be some kind of compromise so that everyone can enjoy the quality of life they have and be able to share the air and light.
(-) Elizabeth Jasper
- She lives on Lake Street.
- She understands the need for people to have families and be able to enjoy their space but his project will change the character of the neighborhood.
- She will loose sunlight and a bit of privacy if this project is approved.
- It appears that the project sponsor has the financial possibilities to find a larger home.
(-) Anne Ingram
- She has lived on Lake Street for over 3 years.
- She realizes that this family is allowed to grow and build a larger home, yet this project will block their view and cause the sunlight coming into their apartment to be minimized.
(-) Hiroshi Fokuda
- He belongs to the Richmond Neighborhood Association
- This project was too large a few years ago and it's still too large.
- San Francisco is a great City and one of the things that makes this City great is its diversity.
- If this family wanted a larger house, they should have purchased a larger house.
- In the Lake Street area a smaller car would be more appropriate also.
(-) Chris Hoffman
- He lives on Lake Street
- This project should be similar in size as the one that just went up at the corner.
- He would like to have the Commission preserve the quality of life for himself and his neighbors.
(-) Dan Cheetnam
- He is an architect and lives on Lake Street.
- He has also owned a home before and did construction to the house but did not change the envelope so drastically.
- It is not much to ask to have the volume of the house be minimized.
- He asks that the Commission modify the plans.
(-) Eric Reyes
- He was here a few years ago when the house was going to be demolished.
- Any potential buyer was told that if they wanted to do any type of remodeling and it was outside the character of the neighborhood, the neighborhood would oppose.
- If the family wanted a larger house, there was no need to purchase this particular house.
- The people proposing the construction are not developers but it still requires the approval of the neighborhood.
(-) Gina Morimoto-Reyes
- She lived on Lake Street from 1969 until a few years ago when she got married.
- One of the special things about San Francisco is that although it's a big City, it is also a small town because everyone knows each other.
- The neighborhood has fought hard to keep the integrity of the neighborhood and to save this house.
- Even though she doesn't live in the neighborhood, there is something special about the neighborhood and about this house.
(-) Bill Iracki
- He lives on 17th Avenue
- Many neighborhoods have fought these monster homes.
- It is more economic to make alterations without changing the envelope.
- He feels the economics are against this project.
(+) Kenneth Liu – Project Sponsor
- They purchased this house two years ago since this was a house they could afford at that time. They are not wealthy.
- This is not the biggest house on the block. They have been very generous on the setbacks.
- The house is the smallest house on the block.
- They have been waiting very patiently
(+) Monique Ann Liu
- There are many people who oppose this house.
- When they purchased the house, this was one they could afford when they got married and thought it would be great for starting a home.
- The houses on Lake Street are very expensive.
- They would like to have the opportunity to have 3 or 4 children and be able to have her parents live with them. This is their Chinese culture.
- They have been very open to the design of the home.
(+) Jason Chan – Project Architect
- At the beginning of the project, they did a thorough study of the adjacent buildings.
- They have tried to do everything possible to accommodate the neighbor's concerns.
- They have not been very successful in getting the neighbors to agree with the design.
- They have worked really hard to deal with neighbors' issues.
ACTION: Continued to September 20, 2001 in order to provide more information on how this project differs from the previous ruling of March 20, 1998.
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
21. 2001.0758D (SIROIS: 558-6313)
63-65 BUENA VISTA TERRACE - east side of Buena Vista Terrace, between Buena Vista Avenue and 14th Street, Lot 032 Assessor’s Block 2609. Staff initiated Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2001/05/25/0011 requesting authorization to merge two units in a four unit building located in an RH-2 (Residential, Two Family House) District and a 40-X height and Bulk District pursuant to Planning Commission Resolution No. 16053.
Preliminary Recommendation: Do not take Discretionary Review and approve the project as submitted.
SPEAKER(S):
(+) Andres Esparza – Project Sponsor
- He has lived in the building as a tenant since 1987. He purchased the building in April of 1998--so he has lived there for 14 years.
- This is a well established building.
- The two units he wants to combine, will make a more suitable place for he and his family.
- He wants to expand the kitchen and the dining room in the unit that will be merged.
- He has made several improvements for many of his neighbors.
- His living circumstances have changed.
- The space that they are in is too crowded.
- With the improvements, he will be making something positive in the neighborhood.
(+) Jacki Yahn – Project Architect
- There are not too many options to expand the bedrooms.
- They are keeping the integrity of the front of the house.
- This family would be forced to leave the City if this project is not approved.
(+) Kirk Michael
- He recently became engaged and he is seeking other housing because where he lives is too small.
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
22. 2001.0525DDD (SIROIS: 558-6313)
1489--5TH AVENUE- west side of 5th Avenue, between Kirkham Street and Judah Street, Lot 022, Assessor’s Block 1848. Request for Discretionary Review of Building Permit Applications 2001/02/23/2854 and 2001/02/23/2857 proposing the demolition of a single-family dwelling, and construction of a two-unit residential building in an RH-2 (Residential, Two Family House) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and approve project with conditions.
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued Without Hearing to September 13, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim
NAYES: Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
23. 2001.0559D (S. SNYDER: 558-6543)
337-339 MISSISSIPPI STREET - on the west side of Mississippi Street, north of the intersection of Mississippi and 19th Streets, on Lot 15 of Assessor’s Block 4039. Mandatory Discretionary Review of Building Permit Application No. 2001/04/16/6901 proposing to merge a two-unit dwelling into a one-unit dwelling in an RH-2 (Residential House, Two-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District pursuant to Planning Commission Resolution 16078.
Preliminary Recommendation: Take Discretionary Review and do not approve the project as submitted.
SPEAKER(S): None
ACTION: Continued Without Hearing to October 4, 2001
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim
NAYES: Salinas
ABSENT: Theoharis
F. PUBLIC COMMENT
The Brown Act forbids a commission from taking action or discussing any item not appearing on the posted agenda, including those items raised at public comment. In response to public comment, the commission is limited to:
(1) responding to statements made or questions posed by members of the public; or
(2) requesting staff to report back on a matter at a subsequent meeting; or
(3) directing staff to place the item on a future agenda. (Government Code Section 54954.2(a))
Abdalla Megahed
Re: Homelessness/Flea Market
- There is a real problem in this City regarding homelessness.
- The truth is that there are people who continue to become homeless.
- Please open your eyes to this problem.
- A flea market in this City would help people to get some income.
Adjournment: 4:45 p.m.
THE DRAFT MINUTES ARE PROPOSED FOR ADOPTION AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2001.
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Baltimore, Chinchilla, Fay, Joe, Lim, Salinas, Theoharis
Last updated: 11/17/2009 10:00:12 PM
