September 06, 2006 FINAL ACTION MINUTES
OF THE
SAN FRANCISCO
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY HALL
1 DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE, ROOM 400
September 6, 2006
12:38 P.M. ROLL CALL
FOR FULL LANDMARKS BOARD CONSIDERATION
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger (arr. @ 12:43), Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street (arr. @ 12:50)
BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT: Shatara
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Mark Luellen, Preservation Coordinator; April Hesik; Tara Sullivan-Lenane; Sonya Banks, Commission Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENT
Bradley Wiedmaier: He suggested that the Landmarks Board request a organization to perform a survey on first bay tradition and other styles of early flats across the city. He displayed photos of buildings that he feels represent this tradition in San Francisco.
REPORTS
1. STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mark Luellen, Preservation Coordinator:
iHe announced that there will be a public meeting regarding the Market & Octavia Streets Cultural Resource Survey on September 19, 2006, at 1800 Market Street.
iOn September 21stthe Planning Commission will hear the landmark designation for Mission High School. On September 27th the Land Use Committee will hear the landmark designation for St. Brigid's Church. The owners of the property are requesting that the OHP determine that the building is no longer eligible for the National and California Registers. This will be heard by the State Commission on October 27th. This will be brought before the Landmarks Board on October 4th for review and comments.
iOn September 7th the City Hall Preservation Advisory Commission will hold its regular meeting from 5:00-6:30pm at City Hall, Room 408.
iHe provided an update on 2870-2878 Washington Street: There is an enforcement case on the property that was filed on February 7, 2006. There have been some activities occurring on the interior and exterior of the building that have exceeded the scope of permit. He will provide additional information as it becomes available.
2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
She invited the Board Members to join her in attending a lecture given by Jeff Tillman at City Hall on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, at 6:00 p.m.
She met with Neil Hart and Mark Luellen regarding the Preservation Element of the General Plan. She requested that a Landmarks Board member assist Rachel Force, Planning staff member, with reviewing the draft of the preservation element of the general plan.
3. MATTERS OF THE BOARD
Alan Martinez:
iHe requested the status of Forest Hill nomination. He asked if the Japantown context statement had been officially adopted.
Robert Cherny:
iHe requested an update on the Music Concourse trees. He stated that the proper locations have been marked for the trees that were not planted into their proper location. He stated that many of the new the trees are dropping their leaves and turning brown. When do they expect to have the trees moved into their proper location and an evaluation whether the leaves are dropping because they were transplanted or because of a larger problem?
- LANDMARKS WORK PROGRAM 2005-2006 UPDATE
The landmark designation for the Doggie Diner Head was approved as well as the 557 Ashbury Street. Research is in progress for the following: Temple Emmanuel, Fleishhacker Pool, the Mother's Building, the 21st Street Transit Shelter (would like to add two or three more elements to the nomination, will bring this nomination back to the Landmarks Board for approval), Sailors' Union, Forest Hills Clubhouse. Will provide follow-up on the Del Monte Warehouse. There will be a new Landmarks Work Program established for 2006-07 fiscal year with carry-overs from 2005-06 list. Recommended agendizing a discussion on desired landmarks for the Work Program 2006-07 at the LPAB October 18th hearing.
5. APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 16, 2006, JANUARY 5, 2005, FEBRUARY 16, 2005 AND AUGUST 17, 2005 DRAFT ACTION MINUTES:
This item is being continued until September 20, 2006 hearing.
REVIEW AND COMMENT
6. (T. SULLIVAN-LENANE: 415/558-6257)
1746 POST STREET is located on the north side of Post Street between Webster and Buchanan Streets. Assessor's Block 685, Lot 012. Constructed in 1923, 1746 Post Street is a Neoclassical-style building designed by James W. Plachek. The building is located within the Japantown Special Use District, Western Addition A-2 Redevelopment Area, NC-2 (Small-Scale Neighborhood Commercial District) Zoning District, and 50-X Height and Bulk District. Request for Review and Comment on the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency's Draft Environmental Impact Report, issued July 28, 2006 and supporting documents concerning the demolition of the existing structure and the construction of the J-Pop Center. The Board will submit written comments on the EIR to the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency.
Speaker(s)
Gee Gee Platt
Joanne Sakai
Dennis Hemley
Henry Shogkukan
Penny Nukasu
Stan Muraoka
Rosalyn Tonai
Robert Hamaguchi
Paul Asaki
Charles Chase
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Damkroger (seconded by Martinez) to accept the recusal of Board Member Street from this item. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez
NOES: None
ABSENT: Shatara
Recused: Street
Board Comments
Board Members think that the DEIR is flawed. Suggested more history be provided on the church. The role the church's congregation played in Japantown should be included. Board Members think the building is an historic resource and should be treated as a resource. Board members think that due to the fact that the project scope has changed since the DEIR was issued and that there may be different conclusion about the significance of the resource and that would also justify reissuing, the historic resource section must be rewritten. A board member questioned whether the proper CEQA process was followed. The EIR mitigation measure should include an oral history, drawings, studies of the interior space, and pictures. Recommended re-writing the DEIR and the history of the church. Suggested exploring other buildings in the area. Does the Redevelopment Office have requirements for assessment of buildings to conduct additional research? Suggested that the Redevelopment Agency should obtain a qualified historian. Board members suggested that the Patrick McGrew report has fundamental flaws and should not be the basis of the DEIR. The Board is requesting to review and comment on the revised DEIR.
Tape No.: 1a/b
ACTION ITEMS
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
7. 2006.0882A (T. SULLIVAN-LENANE: 415/558-6257)
1306-1310 McALLISTER STREET is located on the north side of McAllister Street between Steiner and Pierce Streets. Assessor's Block 775, Lot 004A. Constructed in 1902, 1306-1310 McAllister Street is an Edwardian-style building whose design is attributed to Martens & Coffey. The building is a contributory-altered building to the Alamo Square Historic District. It is located within an RH-1 (Residential, House, One-Family) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness to remove a portion of the ground floor bay and construct a new garage opening. Application is to correct DBI Violation 200672425, issued August 17, 2006, for exceeding scope of work permits by removing and replacing two (2) windows and stucco band approximately 16' wide by 10' long on exterior of building at the ground floor.
Preliminary Recommendation: Disapproval
Speaker(s):
John Pollard
Paul Calendar
Bradley Wiedmaier
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Street (seconded by Chan) to disapprove the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness based on staff recommendations. The motion passed 5-3.
AYES: Cherny, Dearman, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: Chan, Damkroger, Hasz
ABSENT: Shatara
8. 2006.0777A (A. HESIK: 415/558-6602)
945 FRONT STREET, west side between Green and Vallejo Streets, Assessor's Block 136, Lot 2. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to modify the storefronts, entrances, and windows. The subject property was constructed in 1955 as an automobile garage and subsequently converted to offices. The building is Potentially Compatible with the Northeast Waterfront Historic District. It is within a C-2 (Community Business) District, Waterfront Special Use District No. 3, and a 65-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval with Conditions
Speaker(s):
Julia Nelson
Bradley Wiedmaier
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Martinez) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Shatara
Tape No: 2a
9. 2006.0364A (A. HESIK: 415/558-6602)
19 ALTA STREET, south side between Montgomery and Sansome Streets, Assessor's Block 106, Lot 24. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install solar panels on roof. The subject property is a three-story, wood-frame residential building constructed in 1988. The building is Noncontributory to the Telegraph Hill Historic District. It is within an RH-3 (Residential, House, Three-Family) District and a 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Chan (seconded by Cherny) to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Dearman, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Shatara
DISCUSSION
10. (M. LUELLEN: 415/558-6478)
Landmarks Board conversation on how the Planning Department's CEQA Review Procedures for Historic Resources has been working since its implementation in October 2004. (CONTINUED FROM AUGUST 16, 2006)
Speaker(s):
Steve Williams
Mary Ann Miller
Bradley Weidmaier
Joe Butler
Judith Hoyem
Board Comments
The Landmarks Board thinks that Category C of the review procedures should be revised. The current Category C description may overlook potential historic resource. The Board recommends making the categories more clear. There is very limited review for properties that are 50 years or older but built after 1913; these resources should not be discounted. Board members suggested that the Categories apply to any type of historical resources such as residential, commercial, industrial and recreational. The Review Procedures should include a discussion about historic integrity and should be based in a consistent definition of demolition , especially in the varied contexts and conditions relevant to preservation, rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction. The Board suggested that all historic resource-related environmental determinations be posted on the city's website, that photographs be included in the documentation, that the determination clearly define the logic and reasoning behind findings and conclusions put forward in the environmental determinations, and that the determination include a drawing showing the extent of new project or alteration.
Tape No.: 2a & b
ADJOURNMENT: 4:25 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sonya Banks, Recording Secretary
ADOPTED: October 4, 2006
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