March 4, 2009
San Francisco
Historic Preservation Commission
Meeting Minutes
Commission Chambers – Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
12:30 P.M.
Regular Meeting
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chase, Damkroger, Hasz and Martinez
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY INTERIM PRESIDENT CHASE AT 12:30 P.M.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Mark Luellen – Acting Chief of Neighborhood Services, Tina Tam –Preservation Coordinator, Tara Sullivan, Aaron Starr, and Linda Avery – Commission Secretary
A. PUBLIC COMMENT
At this time, members of the public may address the Historic Preservation Commission on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Historic Preservation Commission except agenda items. Public comment will be taken on each agendized item. Each member of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes. If it is demonstrated that comments by the public will exceed 15 minutes, the President or chairperson may continue Public Comment to another time during the meeting.
The Brown Act forbids a commission or board 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, not on an agendized item, the Commission is limited to:
(1) briefly 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).).
SPEAKER(S):
Alex Bevk: She informed the Commission of S.F. Heritage (YPG), in conjunction with Carey and Co. and Christopher VerPlank intent to initiate landmark nomination for the Tonga Room at the Fairmount Hotel. A public meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, April 11, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in the Tonga Room to discuss landmark procedures.
GeeGee Platt: She discussed the Fillmore Street substation (located at Turk and Fillmore Streets, it is in a Redevelopment area that has expired). The Redevelopment Agency has done an excellent job in the restoration and in trying to find a developer for the site next to it. Now with the agency ceasing to exist in the Western Addition a determination is in process, the agency is proposing through the Mayor's Office of Economic Development the rights to and title to the Fillmore Street Substation together with the TDR's.
B. REPORTS
1. STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Larry Badiner, Assistant Director and Zoning Administrator
- He announced that Tina Tam will serve as the new Preservation Coordinator for the Department. Tina brings her skills as a preservation technical specialist, and the project management skills she has developed over the past few years serving as the coordinator of the hospital projects.
- Mark Luellen will become the new Northeast Team Leader. He thanked Mark for his professionalism, experience, and management skills while serving as the Preservation Cordinator.
- He also acknowledged Sophie Middlebrook for her exceptional skills while serving as Acting Preservation Coordinator. Sophie will be assisting Tina through the transition process.
Mark Luellen, Northeast Team Leader
- He thanked the Department for the opportunity to serve as Preservation Coordinator for
the past 4 years. It's been a great experience working with such a talented group of preservation planner. He is very excited about being appointed Team Leader for the Northeast quadrant. He looks forward to assisting Tina in her transition to the HPC.
Interim President Charles Chase
- He requested planning staff assistance in preparing a resolution honoring Mark Luellen for his dedication and hard work to be presented at the next Historic Preservation Commission hearing.
2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
He received an email for Mr. Alan Kessler, who is interested in and has received a grant for Auto Garages in San Francisco. He is requesting to make an informational presentation to the Historic Preservation Commission.
3. MATTERS OF THE COMMISSION
Commissioner Martinez
- The Landmarks Preservation approved guidelines for the treatment of historic buildings. He requested an update on 55 Laguna Street and what part of that project will come before the HPC.
- He asked if it was possible for the HPC to do a site visit to the Metro Theatre.
Marlena Byrne, Deputy City Attorney
- In response to Commissioner Martinez request for a site visit to the Metro Theatre: there is a special noticing requirement that has specific timeline for noticing. If the Commission would like a site visit that would delay the date for the proposed project to be heard by the HPC.
Interim President Chase
- Requested clarification: A concern with the new commission is that some of the prior projects that have been reviewed (but have not been approval) by the Landmarks Board will need to be reviewed again by the HPC?
- In response to Commissioner Martinez request for a site visit to the Metro Theatre: The hearing for the Metro Theatre has already been scheduled, if the property owner is willing, a site visit could be done by individual commissioners (not as a group) in order not to impact the current scheduling of the project.
The calendar was heard in the following order: # 5, 4
C. NON-ACTION ITEM
4. (T. SULLIVAN-LENANE: 558-6257)
Revisions for Planning Code Articles 10 and 11: Department staff will update the Commission on the review and revisions needed to Articles 10 and 11 to incorporate the new Historic Preservation Commission into the Planning Code and Department procedures.
SPEAKER(S): Gee Gee Platt
ACTION: No action required by the Commission – Informational Presentation only
Interim President Chase recommended that all documents/legislation be made available for public excess.
Tape 1A and 1B
ACTION ITEM
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Commission, and will be acted upon by a single roll call vote of the Commission. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the Commission, the public, or staff so requests, in which event the matter shall be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered as a separate item at this or a future hearing.
5. 2008.1186A (A. STARR: 558-6362)
1348 – 10th Avenue, east side between Irving and Judah Streets. Assessor's Block 1764, Lot 031 - Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for restoration work and a rear horizontal addition on City Landmark #29, Old Fire House, Engine #22. The subject property is located within an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two Family) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approve with conditions
SPEAKER(S): Dan Phipps, Architect
ACTION: Commissioner Martinez requested that this item be pulled from the Consent Calendar and heard as part of the regular agenda items.
Commissioner Hasz (seconded by Martinez) motion to approve the request
for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
AYES: Chase, Damkroger, Hasz, and Martinez (+4 -0)
MOTION #: 0007
Tape #: 1A
Adjournment: 2:13 P.M.
These minutes were proposed for adoption at the Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Chase, Damkroger, Hasz, Martinez , Madsuda
