January 15, 2003

MEMBER(S) ABSENT: DEARMAN and KOTAS

PUBLIC COMMENT

Nancy Shanahan re: Planning Department's determination on 1831 Powell Street

REPORTS

1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

It was moved by Member Finwall (seconded by Shatara) to nominate Tim Kelley as President. The vote was unanimous (Finwall, Kelley, Samuels, Shatara and Skrondal) (Absent: Dearman, Ho-Belli and Kotas).

It was moved by President Kelley (seconded by Finwall) to nominate Elizabeth Skrondal as Vice President. The vote was unanimous (Finwall, Kelley, Samuels, Shatara and Skrondal) (Absent: Dearman, Ho-Belli and Kotas).

2. STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Neil Hart, Chief

Neighborhood Planning:

• Wished all a happy and healthy new year.

• Welcomed the newest member of the Landmarks Board - Peter Albert Samuels to his first hearing.

• In preparing the annual CLG Report for October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002, Staff needs updated resumes and complete professional qualifications forms. Also, the Landmarks Board is to advise the Recording Secretary of any professional training they participated in, which is to be included in the CLG Report.

• Informed the Board that Winslow Hastie, Preservation Technical Specialist for the Southeast Quadrant, will be taking a 4-month leave of absence. Mat Snyder will assume all the preservation duties for that team; Jeff Tully will complete the work Winslow began on the Dogpatch Historic District.

• Informed the Board and members of the public that landmark initiation of the Old Mint, on today's calendar will be heard at the Planning Commission on Thursday, January 16^th. The item will be scheduled before the Transportation and Commerce Committee of the Board of Supervisors, Thursday morning, January 23^rd at 9:30 a.m..

• Dogpatch Historic District is scheduled before the Planning Commission on February 6, 2003.

3. PRESIDENT'S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

None.

4. MATTERS OF THE BOARD

None.

Tape No(s).: 1a

REGULAR CALENDAR ITEMS

5. APPROVAL OF THE JULY 3, SEPTEMBER 4, OCTOBER 16, NOVEMBER 6, 20 and DECEMBER 4, 2002 DRAFT ACTION MINUTES

Continued.

6. Formal presentation of Resolutions to Penney Magrane, former Landmarks Board Member, and Elizabeth Gordon, former Planning Preservation Technical Staff.

NOTE: Because of audio difficulties, comments by the Landmarks Board are not available.

7. 2002.1094A (K. SIMONSON: 415/558-6321)

1405-1407 MCALLISTER STREET, south side between Pierce and Scott Streets. Assessor's Block 777, Lot 30. The subject property is a three and a half-story building containing three units. The Queen Ann-style building, built in 1899, is contributory to the Alamo Square Historic District and is included in the 1976 Architectural Survey. It is within an RH-3 (House, Three Family) Zoning District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness to add a 3-car garage at the front (north) façade at the ground level and modify the front entry stairs.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with modifications

Speaker(s): Ken Moy

Action: It was moved by Member Finwall (seconded by Skrondal) to recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness based on Staff Findings. The vote was unanimous.

Ayes: Finwall, Ho-Belli, Kelley, Samuels, Shatara and Skrondal

Noes: None

Absent: Dearman and Kotas

8. 2002.1207A (W. HASTIE: 415/558-6381)

380 LEXINGTON STREET, west side between 20^th and 21st Streets. Assessor's Block 3609, Lot 61. The Italianate style residence is a contributory building to the Liberty Hill Historic District. The subject property is zoned RH-2 (House, Two- Family) District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace an existing rear addition for an expanded kitchen and bedroom.

Preliminary Recommendation: Approval

Speaker(s): None

Action: It was moved by Member Shatara (seconded by Ho-Belli) to recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness based on Staff Findings. The vote was unanimous.

Ayes: Finwall, Ho-Belli, Kelley, Samuels, Shatara and Skrondal

Noes: None

Absent: Dearman and Kotas

9. (J. KUGLER: 415/558-5983)

CEQA REVIEW PROCEDURES FOR HISTORIC RESOURCES. Public and Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board members review and comment on the proposed guidance document for staff and the public on the methodology for evaluating and processing historical resources to meet the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Staff, through an interdepartmental group, has set out a draft of a proposed process for standardizing how structures will be processed to determine if they qualify as historical resources and what type of environmental documentation would be appropriate so that the City meets it's obligations and responsibilities in implementing CEQA. The document was sent out to the public in October. Comments will be incorporated into a revised version for use by the staff.

Speaker(s): Charles Chase

Board

Comments:

• President Kelley thanked Staff for their effort in preparing this document.

• Board Member Finwall commented that CEQA was an interesting tool for preservation; in part the intent of CEQA and the reason why we have it is that it gives them a tool to look at what could be. He is concerned about contextual buildings, but feel that Category D is a great place where contextual buildings would be placed. Other areas of concerned are interiors.

• President Kelley commented that the document is a good draft, a good first approach.

• President Kelley would like for Staff from MEA to come back to the Landmarks Board when the draft document has been finalized.

Tape No(s).: 1b

10. 2001.0862E (C. ROOS: 415/558-5981)

50 OAK STREET, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The proposed project is the seismic upgrade and major alteration of the existing four- to five- story Category II, Significant Building at 50 Oak Street, and demolition of the adjacent three- to four- story building and new construction of a six-story structure at 70 Oak Street, for the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The two structures would be integrated into one, structurally integrated facility. The two existing buildings total about 91,000 gsf. The Conservatory of Music would contain about 125,000 gsf, including about 19,200 gsf of performance space; 17,000 gsf of performing support space; 26,500 gsf of educational studios and spaces; 7,500 gsf of administrative office pace; 7,000 gsf of library space; 21,600 gsf of corridor and circulation space; and 26,200 gsf of service and storage space. Of the total area, about 98,500 gsf are applicable to the FAR under the Planning Code. No parking spaces or loading spaces are proposed. The site occupies the north side of Oak Street, between the 25 Van Ness Avenue building and a parking lot at Hickory and Franklin Street, encompassing most of the half block bounded by Oak, Hickory, and Franklin Streets and Van Ness Avenue. The site includes Lots 5 and 7, in Assessor's Block 834. While the project would function as one building, it would appear as two buildings from Oak Street. The project requires a lot line adjustment to merge the existing lots; a Permit to Alter for 50 Oak Street, a Category II, Significant Building, under Planning Code, Article 11; review of substantial alterations to existing buildings in the C-3 Districts under Section 309, including a request for exceptions to bulk limits (for maximum building length and maximum diagonal dimension), and a revocable encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works, to occupy sub sidewalk vaults. The purpose of the hearing is to facilitate the formulation of the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board's comments on the adequacy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Speaker(s): Harry O'Brien

Lisa Pinnazo

Board

Comments:

• The DEIR does a good job of identifying this important historical resource, and the potential adverse effects posed by the project. The Landmarks Board concurs with these assessments.

• It was noted by the Landmarks Board that several interior spaced intended for demolition, especially the Lodge Rooms and the Ballroom Entry, consist of fabric such as wood paneling that could relatively easily be salvaged and reused on site, a plan to do so should be included as mitigation for the loss of these important spaces.

• The DEIR omits photos of the Ballroom Entry and Main Lobby that are included in the Historic Resources Study done by Page and Turnbull. These or similar photos should be included in the DEIR in order to better convey the quality of the space proposed for demolition.

• Regarding the proposed HABS recordation of the building as mitigation, the Landmarks Board believes that the social perception and construction of space in a building such as 50 Oak Street is an essential quality to be understood. Therefore, the Landmarks Board believes that recordation should include photos of interior and exterior spaces in use as they were during various periods of the building's history. Further, the Landmarks Board believes recordation should include oral and written histories taken from actual users of the building throughout its history. This mitigation should include outreach to former users of the building to solicit both historical photos and testimony.

• The Landmarks Board stated its preference for the Historic Preservation Alternative described on page 117 of the DEIR. This alternative avoids the loss of significant historic fabric, and appears to fulfill programmatic needs to a reasonable extent.

Tape No(s).: 1b

11. 2001.911E (J. NAVARRETE: 415/558-5975)

GOLDEN GATE PARK CONCOURSE AUTHORITY PROJECTS, Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), between the California Academy of Sciences and the M.H. de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, called the Music Concourse area. Assessor's Block 1700, Lot 1. An informational presentation on the proposed project which would include an underground parking facility of 800- to 1,000-spaces at the Music Concourse, surface improvements, and transportation improvements in the Concourse area, and throughout Golden Gate Park, as described in Proposition J. Proposition J requires removal of surface parking spaces from the Concourse area, and in locations throughout the Park, equivalent to the number of spaces provided in the new underground parking facility upon completion of the parking facility. In addition to the underground parking facility, the Transportation Implementation Plan includes the following elements: intra-park shuttle, cultural shuttle, traffic calming, parking management, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, road closures, and MUNI service improvements.

Speaker(s): Mike Elsie

Jeff Adams

Mary Ann Miller

Board

Comments:

NOTE: Because of audio difficulties, comments by the Landmarks Board are not available.

12. 2001.911E (J. NAVARRETE: 415/558-5975)

GOLDEN GATE PARK CONCOURSE AUTHORITY PROJECTS, Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), between the California Academy of Sciences and the M.H. de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, called the Music Concourse area. Assessor's Block 1700, Lot 1. The project site is within the P (Public Use) zoning district and within an OS (Open Space) Height and Bulk District. In 1998, voters of San Francisco approved Proposition J, Golden Gate Park Revitalization Act, to improve the landscape and pedestrian environment of the Music Concourse area. The proposed project would include an underground parking facility of 800- to 1,000-spaces at the Music Concourse, surface improvements, and transportation improvements in the Concourse area, and throughout Golden Gate Park, as described in Proposition J. Proposition J requires removal of surface parking spaces from the Concourse area, and in locations throughout the Park, equivalent to the number of spaces provided in the new underground parking facility upon completion of the parking facility. In addition to the underground parking facility, the Transportation Implementation Plan includes the following elements: intra-park shuttle, cultural shuttle, traffic calming, parking management, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, road closures, and MUNI service improvements. The purpose of the hearing is to facilitate the formulation of the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board's comments on the adequacy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the proposed project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Speaker(s): Mary Ann Miller

Michael Levin

Chris Duderstadt

Board

Comments:

• The Landmarks Board stated that although the DEIR does a generally good job of identifying historical resources within the project area, and of assessing potential impacts to them, it should specifically identify the pedestrian circulation pattern of the Music Concourse.

• In the case of the pedestrian tunnels, both the proposed project and the proposed variant eliminate this important character defining feature for the southwest tunnel. The project proposes to substitute passage through a busy parking garage, while the variant channels circulation above ground and across an active roadway. Both proposals also eliminate important physical features of the tunnel.

• Because of serious impacts, the Landmarks Board cannot concur that the project meets the Secretary of Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Specifically, the project appears to destroy spatial relationships that characterize the property.

• The Landmarks Board believes this creates a substantial adverse effect, and that the DEIR should be amended to reflect that. The Landmarks Board believes that mitigations should be identified for this adverse change.

13. (IRONS)

135 VAN NESS AVENUE/170 FELL STREET, west side of Van Ness Avenue between Oak and Fell Streets. Assessor's Block 815, Lot 1. 135 Van Ness Avenue, the High School of Commerce, Landmark No. 140 and a Contributory Building to the Civic Center Historic District; and 170 Fell Street, located on a portion of the Landmark site and identified as a Contributory Building to the Civic Center Historic District. In December 1999, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) executed a Section 106 Programmatic Agreement (PA) for the project involving the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) buildings at 135 Van Ness Avenue and 170 Fell Street. To comply with Stipulations III.A.3. and 4. of the project PA, the SFUSD shall provide a presentation to the San Francisco Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board, at a regularly scheduled public meeting, on the future use of the buildings, that shall provide adequate opportunity for interested persons to receive information and express their views about SFUSD recommendations concerning the future use or uses of either or both of the buildings.

Speaker(s): Tony Irons

Betty Landis

Susan Stoddart

Gail Baugh

David Pearlstein

Ron Gallman

Jerry Pomona

Bob Landis

Michael Levin

Gee Gee Platt

Board

Comments:

• Board Member Shatara asked if the money that was originally earmarked for 170 Fell Street, that the School District used on Franklin, does the money come back to the above project?

• Board Member Finwall asked if the School Board supports the idea for the complex to become the School of the Arts?

• Board Member Samuels stated that he was in favor of the project. He asked how much will the project cost to be completed?

• It was asked if more money will come in from FEMA.

• The Landmarks Board supports bringing the School of the Arts into these buildings.

• Vice President Skrondal thanked Mr. Irons for mothballing the buildings. Stated that the buildings are now in the process of being preserved.

• As suggested by a member of the public to have a member of the Landmarks Board act as a liaison and be a part of the task force for the School of the Arts, Board Member Finwall volunteered to be the liaison.

14. 2001.0690L (LIGHT: 415/558-6254)

88 5^TH STREET, Old San Francisco U.S. Mint, west side between Jessie and Mission Streets. Assessor's Block 3704, Lot 11. The Greek Revival, steel-frame and brick building is clad with granite and sandstone, and was built between 1869-1874. The site was operated as a museum until 1994, and is currently vacant. The subject property is zoned P (Public) District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District. Request for Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board recommendation to the Planning Commission on the proposed landmark designation, which was initiated by the Board of Supervisors on June 29, 2001, and adopted a resolution to reinitiate the proposed landmark designation on October 7, 2002.

Speaker(s): Michael Levin

Action: Board Member Finwall (seconded by Samuels) made a motion to adopt a resolution, reiterating the Landmarks Board's support for designation of the Old Mint as City Landmarks No. 236. Noting that the Landmarks Board has had inadequate opportunity to review the Historic Structure Report, in order to comment specifically on the changes to the ordinance as introduced at the Board of Supervisors. The vote was unanimous.

Ayes: Finwall, Kelley, Samuels, Shatara and Skrondal

Noes: None

Absent: Dearman, Ho-Belli and Kotas

Tape No(s).: 3a

ADJOURNMENT: 5:32 P.M.

PUBLIC COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE

ROLL CALL: Chair: Jeremy Kotas

Ex-Officio: Tim Kelley

Committee Members: Ina Dearman, Paul Finwall, Elizabeth Skrondal

REPORT

CHAIR'S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

N/A

PUBLIC COMMENT

N/A

ADJOURNMENT

Adopted: March 19, 2003