July 18, 2012

11:30 A.M.

 

ROLL CALL:   Commission President:                        Charles E. Chase

                        Commission Vice President:                Courtney Damkroger           

                        Commissioners:                                   Karl Hasz

                                                                                      Richard Johns

                                                                                      Alan W. Martinez

                                                                                      Diane Matsuda

                                                                                      Andrew Wolfram

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).).

B.        STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

1.    Director’s Report

2.    Review of Past Week’s Events at the Planning Commission.

3.    Quarterly Report:  Landmark Designation Work Program FY2011-2012

                                                                                                  (M. BROWN: 415/575-9074)

C.        MATTERS OF THE COMMISSION

4.         President’s Report and Announcements

5.         Consideration of Adoption:

              a.        Draft minutes of the June 20, 2012 Regular Hearing

6.         Disclosures

7.         Commissioner Comments/ Questions

8.         COMMISSION SECRETARY POSITION

Members of the Commission Secretary Search Sub-Committee will brief the Commission on the activities and achievements to date to fill the Commission Secretary position once the current position becomes vacant in the fall. 

D.        CONSENT CALENDAR

All matters listed hereunder constitute a Consent Calendar, are considered to be routine by the Historic Preservation 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.

9.         2011.0681L                                                                   (M. BROWN: 415/575-9074)

4004-4006 THIRD STREET – west side between Galvez Avenue and Hudson Avenue; Assessor’s Block 5253; Lot 030. Consideration to adopt a Resolution to recommend to the Board of Supervisors Landmark designation of 4004-4006 Third Street, historically known as Sam Jordan’s Bar, as an individual Article 10 Landmark pursuant to Section 1004.1 of the Planning Code. The HPC adopted a motion initiating landmark designation of the subject building  on June 20, 2012.

Recommendation: Approval

E.         REGULAR CALENDAR

10.                                                                                       (J. LINSANGAN: 415/575-9119)

PUBLIC OUTREACH & ENGAGEMENT – Informational Presentation - In 2011, staff (with support from the Friends of City Planning and Pepperdine University’s Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership) conducted a Public Outreach and Engagement Effectiveness Assessment on the department’s outreach and engagement efforts. Based on the results, a program has been created to better serve staff, stakeholders and the community at-large through a supported outreach and engagement program. This presentation provides a review of the survey’s findings and an overview of the program.

11.       2008.1084E                                                                   (D. DWYER: 415/575-9031)

706 MISSION STREET - THE MECICAN MUSEUM AND RESIDENTIAL TOWER PROJECT DRAFT EIR - North Side of Mission Street at the northwest corner of Third and Mission Streets; Lots 093, 275 and portions of Lot 277 in Assessor’s Block 3706 – Commission Review and Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report. The proposed project includes the construction of a new 550-foot-tall, 47-story tower with three floors below grade.  The new tower would be adjacent and connected to the existing 10-story Aronson Building, which would be restored and rehabilitated.  The project would include up to 215 residential units, space for the Mexican Museum, possible office use, and ground-floor retail/restaurant use.  The project also includes the conveyance of the existing Jessie Square Garage with 442 parking spaces.  The project site is located in the Downtown Retail (C-3-R) Use District and a 400-I height and bulk district in the former Yerba Buena Center Redevelopment Area. The proposed project would require creation of a Special Use District (SUD) overlay to the C-3-R and/or rezoning to Downtown Residential District (DTR).

This public hearing is intended to assist the Commission in its preparation of comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). Comments made by members of the public at this hearing will not be considered comments on the DEIR and may not be responded to in the Final EIR (FEIR).  The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the DEIR on August 2, 2012.  Written comments on the DEIR will be accepted at the Planning Department until 5:00 p.m., August 13, 2012.

Preliminary Recommendation: The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) to frame their written comments on the adequacy of the DEIR, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

12.       2007.1035E and 2008.0877E                              (A. CONTRERAS: 415/575-9044)

Western SoMa Community Plan, Rezoning of Adjacent Parcels, and 350 Eighth Street Project. Commission Review and Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for a proposed project consisting of three components: 1) The first component is the Draft Western SoMa Community Plan, which covers an irregularly shaped plan area consisting of two connected areas: one roughly bounded by 13th, Bryant, Seventh, and Minna Streets, and the second area roughly bounded by Townsend, Fourth, Harrison, and Seventh Streets. The plan would require amendments to the San Francisco General Plan as well as changes to use and height and bulk controls in the San Francisco Planning Code. The plan also includes policies for transportation improvements. 2) The second component is the rezoning of approximately 46 parcels adjacent to the Plan Area (generally bounded by Seventh, Ninth, Mission, and Minna Streets) in order to reconcile their use districts and height and bulk districts with those of the neighboring properties. 3) The third  component is a proposed mixed‐use development at 350 8th Street (Block 3756, Lots 3 and 15) that would include approximately 444 dwelling units, 33,650 sq. ft. of commercial space, 8,150 sq. ft. of light industrial/artist space, and 1,350 sq. ft. of community space. The project area contains numerous properties considered to be historical resources for the purpose of environmental review.

This public hearing is intended to assist the Commission in its preparation of comments on the DEIR. Comments made by members of the public at this hearing will not be considered comments on the DEIR and may not be responded to in the Final EIR.  The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the DEIR on July 26, 2012.  Written comments on the DEIR will be accepted at the Planning Department until 5:00 p.m., August 6, 2012.

Preliminary Recommendation: The Historic Preservation Commission will discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) to frame their written comments on the adequacy of the DEIR, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

13.       2012.0194H                                                               (P. LaValley: 415/575-9084)

459 GEARY STREET, mid-block on south side of street between Mason and Taylor Streets, Assessor’s Block 0316, Lots 018.  Request for a Permit to Alter to construct a one-story vertical addition, partially infill lightwell at east elevation, replace storefront, and rehabilitate existing projecting sign as part of the rehabilitation and reuse of the existing six-story building as retail (art gallery), office, and one residential dwelling unit.  The subject building is a Category IV (Contributing) Building in the C-3-G (Downtown General) District with an 80-130-X Height and Bulk limit.  The project also requires Downtown Project Authorization pursuant to Section 309 of the Planning Code for an exception to Planning Code Section 263.8 to add height over 80 feet and for construction over 75 feet in height within a C-3 zoning district.  The Downtown Project Authorization request will be heard by the Planning Commission at its regularly scheduled hearing on July 26, 2012.

Recommendation: Approval.

14a.     2011.0420A                                                                   (R. SUCRE:  415/575-9108)

VETERANS BUILDING, 401 VAN NESS AVENUE, located on the southwest corner of McAllister Street and Van Ness Avenue, Assessor’s 0786A, Lot 001.  Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations including, but not limited to: rehabilitation/repair of the existing steel-sash windows; replacement of the roof membrane, roof panels, and mansard roof; replacement of the existing skylights; repair of terracotta architectural elements; and installation of new rooftop equipment. The subject property is Landmark No. 84 and is also a contributor to the Civic Center Historic District. It is located within a P (Public) Zoning District, the Civic Center Special Sign District, and a OS/96-X Height and Bulk Limit.

(Continued from 4/4 and 6/6/12 hearings)

Preliminary Recommendation:  Approval with Conditions

14b.     2011.0420U                                                                   (R. SUCRE:  415/575-9108)

VETERANS BUILDING, 401 VAN NESS AVENUE, located on the southwest corner of McAllister Street and Van Ness Avenue, Assessor’s 0786A, Lot 001.  Request for Review and Comment, pursuant to Article 10, Appendix J, Section 8 of the Planning Code, on the interior alterations associated with the proposed project. The proposed project consists of exterior and interior alterations, including a seismic upgrade, facility modernization improvements, accessibility improvements, upgrades to the Herbst Theater, reorganization of existing offices and meeting rooms on each floor, and renovation of the fourth floor to accommodate the San Francisco Opera.  Proposed exterior work is subject to Historic Preservation Commission Review and Approval under Case No. 2011.00420A. The subject property is Landmark No. 84 and is also a contributor to the Civic Center Historic District. It is located within a P (Public) Zoning District, the Civic Center Special Sign District, and a OS/96-X Height and Bulk Limit.

(Continued from 4/4 and 6/6/12 hearings)

Recommendation: The Historic Preservation Commission may draft comments to the San Francisco War Memorial Trust regarding the proposed project’s interior alterations.

15a.     2012.0033ACEF                                                 (S. CALTAGIRONE: 415/ 558-6625)

55 LAGUNA STREET – two blocks bound by Laguna, Haight, Buchanan, and Hermann Streets; Lots 001 and 001a in Assessor’s Block 0857 and Lots 001, 002, and 003 in Assessor’s Block 0870 – Request for Review and Comment for the infill design component of the 55 Laguna Mixed Use Project. The property contains San Francisco Landmark Nos. 257, 258, and 259 - Burke-Richardson Hall (a.k.a. Richardson Hall), Anderson-Woods Hall (a.k.a. Woods Hall), and Anderson-Woods Hall Annex (a.k.a. Woods Hall Annex). The buildings also contribute to the National Register-listed San Francisco Normal School/State Teacher’s College campus. It is located within a RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. The site is zoned RM-3 (Residential, Mixed, Medium Density District)/ 40-X Height and Bulk District; and NC-3 (Moderate-Scale Neighborhood Commercial District)/ 85-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation:  The Historic Preservation Commission may direct staff to draft written comments of the Commission to be forwarded to the Planning Commission.

15b.     2012.0033ACEF                                                 (S. CALTAGIRONE: 415/ 558-6625)

55 LAGUNA STREET – two blocks bound by Laguna, Haight, Buchanan, and Hermann Streets; Lots 001 and 001a in Assessor’s Block 0857 and Lots 001, 002, and 003 in Assessor’s Block 0870. Request for Review and Comment on a draft Memorandum of Agreement prepared by the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH), the lead agency, and supporting documents for Section 106 Review of the proposed project to address its impact on historic resources. The property contains San Francisco Landmark Nos. 257, 258, and 259 - Burke-Richardson Hall (a.k.a. Richardson Hall), Anderson-Woods Hall (a.k.a. Woods Hall), and Anderson-Woods Hall Annex (a.k.a. Woods Hall Annex). The buildings also contribute to the National Register-listed San Francisco Normal School/State Teacher’s College campus. It is located within a RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) Zoning District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. The site is zoned RM-3 (Residential, Mixed, Medium Density District)/ 40-X Height and Bulk District; and NC-3 (Moderate-Scale Neighborhood Commercial District)/ 85-X Height and Bulk District.

Preliminary Recommendation:  Direct staff to draft written comments of the Commission to be forwarded to the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) and State Office of Historic Preservation (SHPO).

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

NOTE:  For information on the next Historic Preservation Commission Calendar, please call 558-6320 on Fridays (before the scheduled hearing) after 5:00 p.m. for a recorded message.

NOTE:  Items listed on this calendar will not be heard before the stated time.   

NOTE:  Speaker Cards will be available at all hearings.  For your convenience, they may be picked up in advance of the hearing from the Planning Department Reception Counter, 1650 Mission Street, Suite 400.

NOTE:  For information related to Historic Preservation Commission matters, please email Historic Preservation Commission Secretary, Linda.Avery@sfgov.org.

NOTE:  Pursuant to Government Code § 65009, if you challenge, in court, the approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness, Permit to Alter, Landmark or Historic District designation, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the Historic Preservation Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.

NOTE:  Material submitted by the public for Historic Preservation Commission review prior to a scheduled hearing, should be received at the Planning Department Reception Counter, 1650 Mission Street, 4th Floor, no later than 5:00 p.m. the Tuesday (eight (8) days) prior to the scheduled public hearing.  Persons unable to attend a hearing may submit written comments regarding a calendared item to the Commission at the above listed address.  Comments received by 11:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing will be made part of the official record and will be brought to the attention of the Historic Preservation Commission at the public hearing.  Otherwise, submit material related to a calendared item at the scheduled hearing for distribution.  For complete distribution to all Commissioners, necessary staff and case/docket/ correspondence files, submit an original and 14 copies.

NOTE:  If any materials related to an item on this agenda have been distributed to the Historic Preservation Commission after distribution of the agenda packet, those materials are available for public inspection at the San Francisco Planning Department, 1650 Mission Street, 4^th Floor during normal office hours.

CELL PHONE AND/OR SOUND-PRODUCING ELECTRONIC DEVICE USAGE AT HEARINGS

Effective January 21, 2001, the Board of Supervisors amended the Sunshine Ordinance by adding the following provision:  The ringing of and use of cells phones, pagers and similar sound-producing electronic devices are prohibited at this meeting.  Please be advised that the Chair may order the removal from the meeting room of any person(s) responsible for the ringing or use of a cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices (67A.1 Prohibiting the use of cell phone, pager, or other similar sound-producing electronic devices at and during public meetings).

ACCESSIBLE MEETING POLICY

Hearings are held at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 400, Fourth Floor, San Francisco, CA.  The closest accessible BART Station is the Civic Center Station located at the intersection of Market, Hyde and Grove Streets.  Accessible curb side parking has been designated at points along McAllister Street.  Accessible MUNI Lines serving City Hall are the 9 San Bruno, 47 and 49 Lines and 71 Haight/Noriega and the F Line.  Accessible MUNI Metro Lines are the J, K, L, M, and N at the Van Ness Muni Station at Van Ness Avenue and Market Street.  For more information regarding MUNI accessible services, call (415) 923-6142.

Requests for American sign language interpreters, sound enhancement system and/or language translators will be available upon request by contacting Lulu Hwang at (415) 558-6318, at least 48 hours prior to a hearing.  A sound enhancement system will be available upon request at the meetings.  Please contact Services for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired at 557-4433 (TDD) or 557-4434 (Voice) at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Late requests will be honored if possible.  A person who is deaf or hearing impaired may gain meeting information prior to the meeting by calling 557-4433 (TDD) or 557-4434 (Voice).  In addition, the California Relay Service can be used by individuals with hearing and speech impairments by calling 1-800-735-2929 (TDD) or 1-800-735-2922 (Voice).  Minutes of the meetings are available in alternative formats. If you require the use of a reader during the meeting, please contact the Library for the Blind and Print Handicapped at 292-2022 at least 48 hours in advance of need.  Accessible seating for persons with disabilities (including those using wheelchairs) will be available at meetings.

Individuals with severe allergies, environmental illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivity or related disabilities should call our accessibility hotline at (415) 554-8925 to discuss meeting accessibility.  In order to assist the City’s efforts to accommodate such people, attendees at public meetings are reminded that other attendees may be sensitive to various chemical-based products.  Please help the City to accommodate these individuals.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE SUNSHINE ORDINANCE

Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public.  Commissions, boards, councils and other agencies of the City and County exist to conduct the people's business.  This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review.  For more information on your rights under the Sunshine Ordinance or to report a violation of the ordinance, contact Adele Destro by mail to Administrator, Sunshine Ordinance Task Force, 1 Dr. Carlton Goodlett Place, Room 244, San Francisco, CA 94102-4689; by phone (415) 554-7724; by fax at (415) 554-7854; or by e-mail at sotf@sfgov.org.  Citizens interested in obtaining a copy of the Sunshine Ordinance can be request a copy from Ms. Destro or by printing Chapter 67 of the San Francisco Administrative Code on the Internet, http://www.sfgov.org/sunshine/

SAN FRANCISCO LOBBYIST ORDINANCE

Attention:  Individuals and entities that influence or attempt to influence local legislative or administrative action may be required by the San Francisco Lobbyist Ordinance [SF Campaign and Governmental Conduct Code §2.100] to register and report lobbying activity.  For more information about the Lobbyist Ordinance, please contact the Ethics Commission at 30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 3900, San Francisco, CA 94102, telephone (415) 581-8300, fax (415) 581-2317; web site http://www.sfgov.org/ethics/.

COMMUNICATIONS

Note: Each item on the Architectural Design Review and/or Regular calendar may include the following documents:

1) Planning Department Case Report

2) Draft Motion with Findings and/or Conditions

These items will be available for review at the Planning Department, 1650 Mission Street, 4th Floor Reception.