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SAN FRANCISCO
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Hearing Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
12:30 P.M.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Damkroger, Hasz, Johns, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram
ABSENT: Chase
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT CHASE AT 11:43 A.M.
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: John Rahaim –Planning Director, Keith DeMartini – Finance Manager, Sophie Hayward, Richard Sucre, Joshua Switzky, Pilar LaValley, Tim Frye – Preservation Coordinator, and Linda Avery – Commission Secretary
A. PUBLIC COMMENT
SPEAKERS: Christopher VerPlanck, Architectural Historian, stated that he prepared a local landmark designation under National Criterion C for Gold Dust Lounge at 247 Powell Street; [Stephan] hoped the iconic Gold Dust Lounge could be saved by adapting it to a compatible use; Catherine Friel sang a song a “save the Gold Dust Lounge” song; Lee Housekeeper, Press Agent in San Francisco for 25 years, spoke in favor of saving the Gold Dust Lounge
B. STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Director Rahaim gave an update about the Redevelopment Agency situation as it ceased to exist today. The Board of Supervisors introduced and passed Mayor Lee’s legislation to designate the City itself as the successor agency, and approved the nominees for the oversight board. The three areas covered in the legislation is the Hunter’s Point Shipyard, Mission Bay and most of Transbay Area 1 - the freeway parcels. Planning Department would take over some of the work that the Agency had done outside of those three large areas – the loan program, staffing, and the advisory committee. There would be a two month transition period to figure out the logistics of a plan. The Planning Department does not have a budget for this work included in the FY 2012-14 proposed budget. The Department might have to come back to the HPC and the Planning Commission with a budget allocation as a separate budget request related for this work.
C. MATTERS OF THE COMMISSION
1. President’s Report and Announcements - None
2. Disclosures
Commissioner Matsuda received a phone call from [Sunny Enquado] of Supervisor Jane Kim’s Office regarding the Gold Dust Lounge; and email from Mike Buhler regarding amendments to Article 10 & 11.
Commissioner Wolfram met with the owner and architect of the 1401 Howard Street project on the project site; and received an email from Mike Buhler.
Commissioner Johns had conversation about 1401 Howard Street; spoke with someone from Supervisor Kim’s Office about the Gold Dust Lounge; and received emails that other commissioners received, which he did not read.
Commissioner Damkroger joined the site visit at 1401 Howard Street with Commissioner Wolfram; and received emails regarding the Gold Dust Lounge and Articles 10 and 11.
3. Commissioner Comments/ Questions
Commissioner Damkroger would like an update on the status of the Gold Dust Lounge at the next hearing as a potential action item as suggested by Preservation Coordinator Frye.
Commissioner Johns announced that the San Francisco Museums and Historical Society would host its Annual Exposition of Historic Organization on March 3rd and 4th, from 11AM to 4 PM, at the Old Mint on Fifth and Mission. Admission is free.
D. REGULAR CALENDAR
4. (T. FRYE/K. DEMARTINI: (415) 575-6822/575-9118)
FY 2012-2014 PROPOSED DEPARTMENT BUDGET – A presentation of the department's revenue and expenditure budget in FY 2012-2013 and FY2013-2014, including grants, technology and capital budget requests, proposed staffing changes, and revised performance measures.
Preliminary Recommendation: No Action Required -- Informational Only
SPEAKERS: None
Information only – no action
5. 2011.0613A (S. HAYWARD: 415/558-6372)
130 SUTTER STREET, north side between Kearny and Montgomery Streets, Assessor’s Block 0288, Lot 027. Informational Presentation to update the Historic Preservation Commission on an approved project to restore and to repair exterior structural and decorative metal elements, including the curtain wall, on the Sutter Street elevation of the subject building. The subject property is San Francisco Landmark No. 37, and is a Category 1 building as described in Article 11 of the Planning Code. The Hallidie building is located within the Downtown Plan Area. The subject property is located within a C-3-O (Downtown Office) Zoning District and a 80-130F Height and Bulk District. Case No. 2010.0613A was issued a Certificate of Appropriateness, Motion No 0131, by the Historic Preservation Commission at its July 6, 2011 hearing.
(Continued from 1/18/12 hearing)
Preliminary Recommendation: No Action Required -- Informational Only
PRESENTER: Elisa Skaggs from Page and Turnbull, Annie Lo from McGuinness and Chen Associates
SPEAKERS: Jay Turnbull, Principal of Page and Turnbull, gave a historical note regarding the color systems for the Hallidie Building
Information only – no action
6a. 2011.0929A (R. SUCRE: 415/575-9108)
1401 HOWARD STREET, located on the southwest corner of 10th and Howard Streets, Assessor’s 3517, Lot 035. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations including, but not limited to: construction of handicap accessible ramps; new fencing; repair and restoration of the windows, including the stained glass windows; cleaning and patching of the cement plaster exterior; repair of the gilded domes and slate tile roof; skylight restoration; and installation of new solar panels. The subject property is Landmark No. 120 and is located within the SLR (Service/Light Industrial/Residential) Zoning District, Western SOMA Special Use District, SOMA Special Sign District, and a 50-X Height and Bulk Limit. Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
PRESENTER: Chris Folie, Project Sponsor; Rebecca Fogel from Page and Turnbull
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Approved the project with conditions outlined in the report by staff, and with two modifications made by Commissioner Wolfram today that: 1) the design of the west entrance ramp be more symmetrically oriented to the entrance; and 2) Project Sponsors should work with staff at the final stages of design if issues require modifications to the project due to budget concern as long as they meet the Secretary of Interiors Standards.
AYES: Hasz, Johns, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger
MOTION: M0148
6b. 2011.0929C (R. SUCRE: 415/575-9108
1401 HOWARD STREET, located on the southwest corner of 10th and Howard Streets, Assessor’s 3517, Lot 035. Request for Review and Comment, pursuant to Planning Code Section 803.9(a), to convert the existing church to office, retail and assembly uses. The proposed project consists of exterior and interior alterations, including a seismic upgrade and construction of a new mezzanine level within the church interior. Proposed exterior work is subject to Historic Preservation Commission Review and Approval under Case No. 2011.0929A. The subject property is Landmark No. 120 and is located within the SLR (Service/Light Industrial/Residential) Zoning District, Western SOMA Special Use District, SOMA Special Sign District, and a 50-X Height and Bulk Limit.
Recommendation: The Historic Preservation Commission may draft comments to the Planning Commission regarding the proposed use and its ability to enhance the feasibility of preserving the historic building.
PRESENTER: Chris Folie, Project Sponsor; Rebecca Fogel from Page and Turnbull
SPEAKERS: Clementina Garcia Landgrave was concerned about churches in the City being sold, closed, or demolished as they would make places for worship in this young nation disappear or be destroyed as a result; Nadi Ramerez, Resident of South of Market Area for 40 years, supported the project.
ACTION: Adopted the resolution with comments made in support of the project
AYES: Hasz, Johns, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger
ABSENT: Martinez and Chase
RESOLUTION: R671
7. 2007.0558 (J. SWITZKY: 415/575-6815
TRANSIT CENTER DISTRICT PLAN – Informational presentation on the draft Transit Center District Plan was published in November 2009. Planning Department staff will provide the Commission a brief refresher of the proposals of the draft Plan and an update on related items.
Preliminary Recommendation: No Action Required -- Informational Only
SPEAKERS: G.G. Platt would like to calendar the TDR discussion at another time as it relates to the impact of Supervisor Chiu’s legislation on TDR – the in-lieu process, the accounting of TDRs, and the possibility in rewriting TDR law; Mike Buhler, SF Heritage, withheld support of Supervisor Chiu’s proposal to apply more flexibility in the transfer of TDRs in C-3 districts because of the lack of information, accounting and transparency in the current status of the existing TDR program. SF Heritage was interested in participating in the TDR discussion, the Port’s potential proposal in creating TDR discussion, and the Transit Center District Plan proposal for the in-lieu of TDR credits discussion.
Information only – no action
8. 2007.0558! (P. LAVALLEY: 415/575-9084)
TRANSIT CENTER DISTRICT HISTORIC RESOURCE SURVEY UPDATE - Consideration to adopt, modify, or disapprove the findings of the historic resource survey update – The survey update consists of: update of field survey information for 57 individual properties that were previously included in the survey area for the Kelley & VerPlanck Transit Center District Historic Resource Survey adopted in August 2008; completing or updating historic resource/non-resource re-evaluations for 57 individual properties; re-evaluation of historic district boundaries for the previously identified New Montgomery, Mission, Second Historic District; and evaluation of another area that contains a significant grouping of historic buildings. The study area was limited to the 57 properties that surround the New Montgomery-2nd Street Conservation District. The general boundaries of the original survey area are: Market, Main, Tehama, and New Montgomery streets.
Preliminary Recommendation: Adopt the Transit Center District Historic Resource Survey Update.
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Adopted
AYES: Hasz, Johns, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger
ABSENT: Chase
MOTION: M0149
9. 2011.0167T (S. HAYWARD: 415/558-6372)
PLANNING CODE CONTROLS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION. Review and Comment on the proposed amendments to Articles 10 and 11 as suggested by Supervisor Scott Wiener. Supervisor Wiener has distributed two draft Ordinances, based on the versions of Articles 10 and 11 adopted by the Historic Preservation Commission, that propose further modifications. The Historic Preservation Commission is considering the amendments proposed by Supervisor Wiener prior to sending a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Modifications
(Continued from 1/18/12 hearing)
The HPC continued the discussion on the four outstanding topics remained in Article 10 from the hearing of January 18, 2012.
TOPIC: 1004.1 – Nomination and initiation of landmark and historic district.
SPEAKERS: None
ACTION: Approved with the modification that when the nomination is submitted by a maajority of property owners for designation of a historical district, the nomination must be considered by the HPC. If submitted by one or more property owners, the HPC may consider it.
AYES: Hasz, Johns, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger
ABSENT: Chase
TOPIC: 1004.3 – Extending outreach efforts to owners and tenants of historic district.
SPEAKERS: GG Platt
ACTION: Approved the language as changed: “Prior to the Board of Supervisors’ vote on a proposed historic district, the Planning Department shall conduct thorough outreach to affected property owners property owners and occupants. The Planning Department shall invite all property owners property owners and occupants in the proposed district area to express their opinion in writing on the proposed designation be it in the form of a vote or a survey. Such invitation shall advise property owners property owners and occupants of practical consequences of the adoption of the district, including the availability of preservation incentives, the types of work requiring a Certificate of Appropriateness, the process and fees for obtaining a Certificate of Appropriateness, and the types of work that is generally ineligible to receive a Certificate of Appropriateness. The Department’s goal shall be to obtain the participation of at least half of all property owners in the proposed district. The property owners’ vote shall be considered by the Board of Supervisors when taking action on the proposed district.
AYES: Johns, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram
NAY: Hasz and Damkroger
ABSENT: Chase
TOPIC: 1006.6 – Standards for review of application and the issue on the development of local interpretation and guidelines for the Secretary Interiors Standards
SPEAKER: Mike Buhler, Charles Marsteller
ACTION: Approved the language on the sheet submitted to the HPC today with the modification that it shall be found in conformance with the General Plan and the Planning Code by the Planning Commission, and adopted by the HPC.
AYES: Johns, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger
NAY: Hasz and Martinez
ABSENT: Chase
TOPIC: 1006.6 Economic Hardship
SPEAKER: GG Platt, Mike Buhler, Charles Marsteller
ACTION : Strike out sections g and h for further review and analysis.
AYES: Hasz, Johns, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger
ABSENT: Chase
SPEAKER: None
ACTION: Adopted Supervisor Wiener’s amendments on Article 10 with the amendments the HPC made, including the revisions that the HPC voted on today, and forward them to the Planning Commission
AYES: Hasz, Johns, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger
ABSENT: Chase
RESOLUTION: R672
Discussion on Article 11 amendments by Supervisor Wiener:
SPEAKER: GG Platt
MOTION: Section 1111 Page 29, deleted line 1-3, regarding standards for review, replicated the language in Article 10 for this section in Art 11, section 1111 (g)
Section 1111.6 Standards for review, deleted page 35, lines 19-25, and page 36, lines 1-2. Recommended striking Supervisor Wiener’s language and replaced it with the compromised language agreed upon today, regarding the Secretary of Interiors Standards, the same section in 1006.6, the modification about not having the Planning Commission approve it.
Section 1107 Page 17, Designation by Board of Supervisors - regarding invitation to property owners – suggested revisions to conform to the same language adopted in Article 1006 so it would be consistent.
Section 1111 Page 28, recommended striking (g) page 28 lines 5-25 and page 29 lines 1-3
Section 1112 Page 40, lines 18-21 & lines 24-25, deleted additional language by Supervisor Wiener
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Hasz, Johns, Martinez, Matsuda, Wolfram, Damkroger
ABSENT: Chase
RESOLUTION: R673
ADJOURNMENT: 4:41 P.M.
The minutes was proposed for adoption at the Regular Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission on Wednesday, February 15, 2012
ACTION: Approved
AYES: Johns, Martinez, Wolfram, Damkroger, Chase
ABSENT: Hasz, Matsuda
