SAN FRANCISCO
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Hearing Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
12:30 P.M.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, and Chase
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT CHASE AT 12:35 P.M.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Tim Frye – Acting Preservation Coordinator, Ben Fu, Tara Sullivan, Sophie Hayward, Pilar LaValley, and Linda Avery – Commission Secretary
A. PUBLIC COMMENT
SPEAKERS: None
Note: Categories B and C followed item 9.
B. STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Acting Preservation Coordinator Frye:
The Mills Act historical property contract for 166-170 Townsend Street – was heard at the Budget and Finance Committee on April 14, 2010. Two supervisors could not support the project. The Committee questioned the project sponsor about back taxes owed on other properties, HUD financing, a $33 million ABAG bond, and other financing details. They also questioned on general the Planning Department’s Mills Act Program, Mills Act approved properties, and the type of work that occurred associated with those contracts. The contract was first heard at the Budget Committee on May 13, 2009, and was heard again on January 27 and February 10 of 2010. The HPC heard the contract on December 16, 2009 and recommended approval to the Board of Supervisors with a 6-1 vote.
The volunteers for the Survey Advisory Group have been selected. They are HPC Vice President Courtney Damkroger, former Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board member Bob Cherny, and consultant Tim Kelley. The first meeting is on April 26, 2010 at the Planning Department.
Filbert Street Cottages – The Planning Commission granted a Conditional Use authorization to the project at its April 28, 2010 hearing. The Zoning Administrator granted a variance related to open space, rear yard, and the expansion of a non-complying structure. The HPC issued a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project on February 17, 2010.
May 5, 2010 HPC hearing is a non-project related hearing. Because the HPC will be discussing its Rules and Regulations, there is a 10-day extended notification required. So the public will be notified by Friday, April 23, 2010.
Beach Chalet Athletic Fields – The Planning Commission heard the project at its April 9, 2010 hearing and voted unanimously to issue a Categorical Exemption (Cat Ex) to approve the project. The Department of Recreation and Parks heard the item on April 15, 2010 and has given the first approval of the project. Planning Department’s MEA staff and Ms. Tam attended this hearing on behalf of the Planning Commission and as staff of the HPC. Ms. Tam reminded the Recreation and Parks Commission that the HPC had outstanding issues regarding the project and that the project would be heard at today’s meeting as an agendized action item. [While informing this commission of the recent action surrounding this project, Mr. Frye reminded and informed the HPC that they might want to consider as part of its action today, drafting and forwarding their comments to the Environment Review Office, or, to the Planning Director of the Planning Department.] The HPC could also draft a letter to the Board of Supervisors. Commissioner Damkroger asked if there was a period of time when an appeal could be filed. Deputy City Attorney Byrne responded that any appeal could be made between the first approval action and the final approval action by the Recreation and Parks Commission.
C. MATTERS OF THE COMMISSION
1. 2010.0016E
Beach Chalet Athletic Fields in Golden Gate Park - The project includes but is not limited to renovation of four existing grass soccer fields with new synthetic turf; installation of lighting, black vinyl fencing, player benches, bleachers, picnic tables and barbecue pits; construction of a maintenance shed and pedestrian pathways; renovation of the existing restroom building; construction of a concrete paved entry plaza and raised platform; installation of a play area and structure, bicycle racks, drinking fountains, trash/recycling receptacles, irrigation and storm drainage improvements; and re-configuration and expansion of the existing parking lot.
Possible Action: Prepare comment letter to the Environmental Review Officer of the Planning Department, Recreation and Park Commission, and/or Board of Supervisors.
SPEAKERS:
Joan Wood – Resident of North Beach and third generation San Franciscan - re: There needs to be an Environmental Impact Review (EIR) for this project.
Greg Miller – Resident of San Francisco for 35 years - re: The proposal is not a minor or routine renovation of the existing field. It is replaced with artificial, rectilinear, flat turf for a high intensity professional sports complex unlike the rest of the park. From a historical point of view, the proposed work would be a disruptive change. It is something the entire city should understand, discuss and debate openly via an EIR.
Mary Nelson – Represented Historic American Landscape Survey (HALS) Northern California Chapter - re: She referenced two letters addressing concerns over Planning Department’s decision to issue a Cat Ex, exemption vs. an EIR, and the potential significant adverse impact of the proposed work on the historic resource. The renovation should be subjected to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Alexandra Bevk – SF Architectural Heritage - re: There is a need for a full EIR to help create some alternatives in which all stakeholders can reach their objective and ensure a safe and high quality recreation facility. She would support the appeal to the BOS when filed.
Jennifer Gates – Field Services Director for California Preservation Foundation (CPF) - re: She has two concerns, 1) The Cat Ex issued by the Planning Department is inadequate by not listing Class 31 that the project is in compliance with the Secretary of Interior Standards, and 2) The role of the HPC in the review process for environment review in accordance to Proposition J and Article 10. By moving forward, the Recreation and Parks Commission has disregarded both sections of the Charter and the code. CPF urges the HPC to write a letter to the BOS outlining the need for environment review and CPF would support the appeal of the Cat Ex.
Katherine Howard – Landscape Architect and member of Golden Gate Park Preservation Alliance - re: She urged the HPC to write a letter to the BOS about significant adverse impacts. The Alliance plans to appeal and will submit it soon.
ACTION: Approved a decision to draft a letter (Commissioner Karl Hasz) to the ERO of the Planning Department with a copy to the Recreation and Parks Department and Commission, and to the BOS; to include comments made today; and to include reference to the Commissions’ concern about the process for Cat Ex.
AYES: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
2. President’s Report and Announcements
None
3. Consideration of Adoption:
a. Draft minutes of Regular Hearing of March 17, 2010
b. Draft minutes of Regular Hearing of April 7, 2010
ACTION: Approved as corrected on both March 17 & April 7, 2010 minutes on the first page, from Commissioners Present to Commissioners Absent.
AYES: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
4. Disclosures
5. Commission Comments/Questions
Commissioner Wolfram:
He would like to add to the calendar for discussion: 1) Request the project sponsor do an informational presentation on the Alexandria Theater on Geary Blvd., 2) Partner with the Department of Public Works and SF Visitors Bureau to develop an interpretive plan for signage in historic districts and on appropriate websites.
Commissioner Martinez:
He would like to add an item to the next hearing to discuss what is required for the HPC to initiate historic districts. That question arose in part from what happened with the Mission Dolores survey.
Commissioner Buckley:
He asked to find ways to disseminate survey and context statement information to the public. He is willing to work with whatever agencies HPC could partner with. Commissioners Damkroger and Chase suggested that the libraries and National Park Services are good partners.
D. CONSENT CALENDAR
6. 2009.0800A (B. Fu: 415/558.6613)
921 Minnesota,east side between 20th and 22nd Streets, in Assessor’s Block 4107 and Lot 020 - Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project proposing (1) interior remodeling and ground floor development, (2) a two-story rear horizontal extension to accommodate a new bedroom on the first floor and an expanded kitchen and deck on the second floor, and (3) to increase the floor-to-ceiling height at the rear by replacing the existing shed roof with a new flat roof, on the existing two-story-over-garage, single-family contributory building in the Dogpatch Historic District, and in a RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval.
SPEAKER: None
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
MOTION NO. M0062
E. REGULAR CALENDAR
7. 2009.1180TZ (T. Sullivan: 415/558.6257)
680 California Street, aka Old St. Mary’s Church - Ordinance amending Section 128 of the San Francisco Planning Code to require that proceeds from the sale of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) be spent on rehabilitation and maintenance of the Transfer Lot property, to establish reporting procedures regarding the rehabilitation and maintenance, and to allow the sale of TDR from an individually landmarked building to any lot in a C-3 zoned district except Redevelopment Areas;amending the San Francisco Zoning Map by amending Zoning Use District Map ZN01 to change the use classification of 680 California Street (Old St. Mary's Cathedral), Block 0241, Lots 011 and 012, from Chinatown Visitor Retail District to C-3-0 District; adopting findings, including environmental findings and findings of consistency with the General Plan and the Priority Policies of Planning Code Section 101.1. The Historic Preservation Commission will consider a resolution recommending this Text Amendment to the Board of Supervisors.
(Continued from March 17, and April 7, 2010 hearings)
Preliminary Recommendation: Recommend Approval to the Board of Supervisors
SPEAKER: None
ACTION: Without hearing, continued to June 2, 2010
AYES: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
8. 2009.1095E (P. LaValley: 415/575-9084)
80 Julian Avenue, west side between 14th and 15th Streets, in Assessor’s Block 3547, Lot 027. Presented for review pursuant to the Eastern Neighborhoods Interim Permit Review Procedures for Historic Resources. The proposed project is to demolish an existing, two-story, vacant, residential building, and construct a four-story building housing medical and dental clinics as well as transitional housing. The subject property is located within the Valencia NCT (Neighborhood Commercial Transit) District with a 45-X Height and Bulk limit. The Department is processing an Environmental Evaluation application and Supplemental Information Form for Historic Resources for the project.
PRESENTER: Martin Walker [Zuh] – Project Sponsor, Chief Executive Officer of the Native American Health Center, Inc.
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Approved advocacy and recommendations to the Planning Department
AYES: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
Note: Items 9a and 9b were called and heard together
9a. 2008.1398TZA (D. Sanchez: 415/575.9082)
150 Otis Street, west side between McCoppin Street and Duboce Avenue, in Assessor’s Block 3513, Lot 007. Request for a Planning Code Amendment proposed to be added as Section 249.46, “Veterans Commons” Special Use District, with associated amendments to the Zoning Map Sheet SU07, which would overlay the site and which would permit uses consistent with the RTO (Residential Transit Oriented) Zoning District subject to exceptions from the rear yard, useable open space, exposure, bicycle parking, dwelling unit mix and dwelling unit density requirements to allow the establishment of 76 units of affordable housing. The site is currently zoned P (Public Use). The Historic Preservation Commission will consider a resolution recommending this Text Amendment to the Board of Supervisors.
Preliminary Recommendation: Recommend Approval to the Board of Supervisors
PRESENTERS: Kim Piechota – Project Manager of the Chinese Community Development Center, re: She explained where the project is under the federal review process; Jim [Flaggler] – Gelfand Partners Architects, re: He described the project’s scope of work.
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Approved Planning Code and Zoning Map Amendments with the comment to the Planning Commission that the review was adequate.
AYES: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
RESOLUTION: R644
9b. 2008.1398TZA (D. Sanchez: 415/575.9082)
150 Otis Street, west side between McCoppin Street and Duboce Avenue, in Assessor’s Block 3513, Lot 007. Request for a Zoning Map Amendment pursuant to Planning Code 302 to amend MapSU07 of the Official Zoning Map of the City and County of San Francisco, to establish the "Veterans Commons” Special Use District (SUD) and to amend Map HT07 of the Zoning Map to change the height and bulk district from 85-X to 125-X at the subject site. The Historic Preservation Commission will consider a resolution recommending these Zoning Map Amendments to the Board of Supervisors.
Preliminary Recommendation: Recommend Approval to the Board of Supervisors
PRESENTER: Same as those listed in item 9a
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Approved Planning Code and the Zoning Map Amendments with the comment to the Planning Commission that the review was adequate.
AYES: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
RESOLUTION: R644
9c. 2008.1398TZA (P. LaValley: 415/575-9084)
150 Otis Street, west side between McCoppin Street and Duboce Avenue, in Assessor’s Block 3513, Lot 007. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for adaptive use and rehabilitation of the existing building for low-income housing. The former Juvenile Court and Detention Home, designed by architect Louis Christian Mullgardt and constructed in 1916, is Landmark #248. The site is zoned P (Public) District and is in an 85-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with conditions
PRESENTER: Martin Walker [Zuh] – Project Sponsor, Chief Executive Officer of the Native American Health Center, Inc
ACTION: Approved with the condition to include interpretive signage to emphasize the importance of Mullgardt’s work as part of the project, and to add language to the decision regarding adopting the final negative declaration.
AYES: Buckley, Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
MOTION NO.M0063
F. TRAINING
10. Planning CEQA Workshop / Training Part II (T. Frye: 415/575.6822 and
T. Sullivan: 415/558.6257)
Presentation by Planning Department staff on the process for the evaluation of proposed projects and the determination of Categorical Exemptions for known and potential historic resources.
PRESENTER: PowerPoint Presentation by Tara Sullivan, Tim Frye, and Sophie Hayward followed by discussion and comments by commissioners
ACTION: None – This was an open discussion and training session without Commission action
ADJOURNMENT: 3:44 P.M.
The minutes was proposed for adoption at the Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, May 19, 2010
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Hasz, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram Damkroger
ABSENT: Buckley, Chase
