October 17, 2007FINAL ACTION MINUTES
OF THE
SAN FRANCISCO
LANDMARKS PRESERVATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
CITY HALL
1 DR. CARLTON B. GOODLETT PLACE, ROOM 400
October 17, 2007
12:38 P.M. ROLL CALL
FOR FULL LANDMARKS BOARD CONSIDERATION
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
BOARD MEMBER(S) ABSENT: Dearman
STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Mark Luellen, Preservation Coordinator; R. Cooper; T. Frye; K. McGee; S. Perdue; S. Middlebrook; J. Range; Sonya Banks, Commission Secretary
THE LANDMARKS BOARD AGENDA WAS HEARD IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER
ITEM #: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14, 15, 13, 11, 12, 9
PUBLIC COMMENT
None at this time.
REPORTS
1. STAFF REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mark Luellen, Preservation Coordinator:
i On October 15th, the Land Use Committee initiated a resolution initiating the designation of 690 Market Street (the Chronicle Building) as a potential landmark and urging expedited consideration of the building's landmark status and a Mills Act contract associated with the building's rehabilitation and restoration. The designation will be forwarded to the full Board of Supervisors for adoption and then forwarded to the Planning Department for their recommendation.
i The Central Waterfront Advisory group will be meeting tonight (October 17th) at the Port Bayside Conference Room, Pier 1. One of the main topics of discussion will be a review of the Carey & Co Historic Preservation analysis of Pier 70. The analysis was prepared for the preparation of the master plan for that site.
i The Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board hearing for November 21st will be cancelled due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
i On October 18th, in the afternoon, the kick-off for the Showplace Square survey will be held. The kiick-off for the Japantown survey will be held on October 22nd.
i The Planning Department is hosting an Open House on October 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at our new office location: 1650 Mission Street, Suite 400.
2. PRESIDENT'S REPORT AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
None at this time.
3. MATTERS OF THE BOARD
Cherny
He requested an update on Rincon Center. He said that there has been no progress made toward repairing the damaged mural and locating the source of the water damage.
Damkroger
She requested the status on the revisions that was prepared by the Landmarks Board for the CEQA guidelines. She asked the timeline for the Landmarks Board to review surveys.
Maley
She requested an update on the anticipated date of completion for the Market and Octavia survey. She suggested staff provide a report on the reconnaissance findings. She suggested inviting the new Planning Director to the Landmarks hearing in January 2008.
Mark Luellen, Preservation Coordinator
In response to Board Member Damkroger's question: the Department is in the process of making the recommended changes to CEQA guidelines. The changes should be completed by the end of the month. In response to President Maley's question: He will provide timelines on the survey's progress as an agenda item in the future.
Tim Frye, Preservation Technical Specialist
In response to Vice President Cherny's concerns regarding Rincon Center: The new owner has been informing planning staff on their progress. They are in the process of finalizing the contract for the restoration. The work should begin this month. The owner has provided planning staff with their scope of work. He will forward their scope of work to the Landmarks Board for review.
4. LANDMARKS WORK PROGRAM 2005-2007 UPDATE
- HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND COMMITTEE UPDATE
Peter Lewis, Mission Neighborhood Group and Inga Horton, SPEAK, stated that they are finished with their context statement and now would like to do surveys. The Committee had been holding off because they wanted to establish guidelines on how neighborhoods should do surveys. There will be a discussion at the next meeting on how to proceed. The planning department staff presented information on surveys that are in process (surveys that are being funded by the Historic Preservation Fund Committee). However the committee did not have the opportunity to review the surveys before the meeting. The committee will review the surveys as they proceed. These are the surveys being funded through the Preservation Committee: Japantown, Balboa Park, Fisherman's Wharf, the Theater District and Eastern Neighborhood. The committee requested a more detail presentation from the Redevelopment Agency. They have begun a survey of the commercial district area on Third Street which is part of the settlement agreement.
- APPROVAL OF THE OCTOBER 17, 2007 DRAFT ACTION MINUTES
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Street (seconded by Cherny) to approve the draft action minutes. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Chan) to hear item #14 next and to continue item #10 until November 7, 2007. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
LANDMARKS BOARD COMMUNICATION
7. The Landmarks Board will draft a letter to the Graffiti Advisory Board suggesting guidelines on how to remove graffiti from historic surfaces.
Speaker(s);
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Chan) to send the letter drafted by Board Member Street to the Graffiti Advisory Board suggesting guidelines on how to remove graffiti from historic surfaces, and to thank Board Member Street for her work on this. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
Tape No. 1a/b
LANDMARK DESIGNATION
8. 2001.0565L (S. MIDDLEBROOK: 415/558-6372)
451 JERSEY STREET, NOE VALLEY BRANCH LIBRARY, south side of Jersey Street between Castro and Diamond Streets, on Assessor's Block 6539, Lot 034. The subject property was constructed in 1915-1916, and is a con-story-over-basement steel frame, brick building with decorative elements in polychrome terra cotta. The building's form and detailing are primarily Classical Revival in architectural style. The property is zoned P (Public), within an RH-2 (Residential, House, Two-Family) district and a 40-X Height and Bulk District. Consideration to initiate landmark designation, and to adopt a resolution initiating and recommending landmark designation to the Planning Commission, the Noe Valley Branch Library as a San Francisco Landmark under Article 10 of the Planning Code.
Speaker(s):
Mindy Lynesky
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Chan) to initiate landmark designation and adopt the resolution initiating and recommending landmark designation to the Planning Commission. Board Member Martinez will work with planning staff on the final language. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
Tape No. 1b
REVIEW AND COMMENT
9. (S. PERDUE: 415/558-6625)
1 TELEGRAPH HILL BOULEVARD, LILLIAN COIT MEMORIAL TOWER, on block bound by Montgomery, Kearny, Greenwich, and Filbert Streets. Assessor's Block 0086, Lot 012 – Request for Review and Comment to nominate the structure to the National Register of Historic Places as part of San Francisco's role as a Certified Local Government. The building is noted in Here Today (p. 60) and has been designated as San Francisco Landmark No. 165. The site is zoned P (Public Use) District and is in as OS Height and Bulk District.
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Chan (seconded by Street) to continue this item until the November 7, 2007 Landmarks hearing. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
Tape No. 2a
10. (D. DIBARTOLO: 415/558-6291)
1-21 COLUMBUS AVENUE AND 612-624 WASHINGTON STREET, COLUMBO BUILDING, Southeast side of the block bounded by Columbus Avenue (northeast), Washington Street (south) and Kearny Street (west) in Assessor's Block 195, Lot 004. Request for Review and Comment to nominate the Columbo Building to the National Register of Historic Places. The subject building, a two-story, Classical Revival style commercial structure, was designed by master architects, James and Merritt Reid, built in 1913 and is San Francisco Landmark No. 237. The site is zoned CCD (Chinatown Community Business) District and is in a 40-X Height and Bulk District. The property is also within the Jackson Square Historic and Jackson Square Special Use Districts.
Speaker(s):
None
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Chan) to continue this item until the November 7, 2007 Landmarks hearing. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
NON-ACTION ITEM
INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION
- 2006.4000E (S. MIDDLEBROOK /K. McGEE: 415/558-6367)
BALBOAPARKSTATION AREA PLAN INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATION - The Balboa Park Station Area Plan is one of the three pilot projects of the Better Neighborhoods Program. The Plan lays out a two-part vision of providing housing opportunities close to transit, and re-engineering the area's public facilities. The draft Neighborhood Plan was published in 2002. The Draft Environmental Impact Report was released on September 22, 2007. This presentation aims to inform the Planning Commission of the Plan's goals, including a broad overview of its plan elements. The presentation will also serve as an up-date on work to date, and inform the Commission of upcoming events as the Plan moves closer to being before the Planning Commission for adoption.
Speaker(s):
None
Tape No. 1b
ACTION ITEM(S)
REVIEW AND COMMENT
12. 2006.4000E (J. RANGE / R. COOPER: 415/575-9027)
BalboaParkStation Area Plan: Public Hearing to assist the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board to prepare a comment letter on the Draft Environmental Impact Report. The Planning Department-proposed Balboa Park Station Area Plan (the proposed project) includes amendments to the San Francisco General Plan and specific Planning Code changes related to zoning districts and height and bulk controls in the Project Area, which includes the area surrounding the Balboa Park Station and along Geneva, Ocean, and San Jose Avenues. The proposed project would introduce a new zoning district–NC-T (Neighborhood Commercial Transit)–into the Project Area, that would potentially increase transit-oriented mixed-use developments. Improvements to the existing streetscape, transportation system/transit facilities, open space, as well as new urban design policies may result from implementation of the Area Plan. The Area Plan also includes specific proposals for mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the Project Area at: (1) the Phelan Loop Site; and (2) the Kragen Auto Parts Site. Implementation of the Area Plan would result in a net increase of about 1,780 new residential units and about 104,680 net new gross square feet of commercial development in the Project Area by the year 2025. A net increase of about 90-200 jobs would be expected in the Project Area by the year 2025 as a result of implementation of the Area Plan.
Speaker(s):
None
Board Comments
A Board member suggested that staff provide copies of the plan as well as the EIR. The Board feels that the proposed height will have a significant adverse impact on a potential historic district. The Board feels that the way to mitigate this is to lower the height limit and to write design guidelines that address the existing height limits. The Board welcomes development that meets the transit needs. A Board member requested whether the survey included the historic theater. The matrix needs more back-up to describe why certain buildings were described as not historic to the district. There should be mitigation measure that addresses the survey, design guidelines, the designation of the fifteen individual buildings as well as the potential historic district. The analysis of the impact of the height change have not been fully analyzed in the EIR and no alternatives have been presented. There should be maps included in the EIR that list the historic resources.
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Hasz (seconded by Damkroger) to accept the rescual of Board Member Street from items 11 and 12. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
Tape No. 1b and 2a
CERFIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
13. 2007.0005A (S. PERDUE: 415/558-6625)
1531 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE, south side of Golden Gate Avenue on the corner of Scott Street in Assessor's Block 776, Lot 016. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness to install a new garage opening at the secondary façade on Scott Street. 1531 Golden Gate Avenue is one in a row of ten Italianate-style houses constructed in 1876 and is a contributory building in the Alamo Square Historic District. It is located within an RH-3 (residential, House, Three-Family) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approval.
Speaker(s):
Daniel Ewald
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Street (seconded by Cherny) to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: that the barrier is more aesthetic and that the paint scheme (on the size elevation) minimize the garage. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
Tape No. 1b
14. 2005.0023A (T. FRYE: 415/575-6822)
109 LIBERTY STREET, Assessor's Block 3607; Lots 075. Located between Dolores and Guerrero Streets, the subject property is a contributing structure to the Liberty-Hill Historic District, is listed on the California Register, and San Francisco Heritage holds a façade easement on the property. It is located within an RH-3 (Residential – Multi-Family) District with a 40-X Height and Bulk limit. Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness to excavate and install two garage door openings within the existing retaining wall. The roof of the structure will be finished as a deck and will be used as open space. The work will also necessitate rebuilding the front entry stairs.
Preliminary Recommendation: Approve with Conditions.
Speaker(s):
Van Ly
Board Action
It was moved by Board Member Cherny (seconded by Hasz) to continue this item until the December 5, 2007 Landmarks hearing. The project sponsor will seek to resolve the following concerns of the Landmarks Board members: Review the proposed project with the Liberty Hill Neighborhood Association, obtain approval from S.F. Heritage (which holds an easement on the property), approval from DPW (the size of the curb cut), provide detailed drawings (the reason for two doors instead of one door), and incorporate Tim Frye's recommendations into the design. Board Member Street agreed to be the liaison. The vote was unanimous.
AYES: Chan, Cherny, Damkroger, Hasz, Maley, Martinez, Street
NOES: None
ABSENT: Dearman
Tape No. 1a
15. 1996.281E (J.A. KUGLER: 415/575-6925)
CENTRAL SUBWAY PROJECT (Phase 2 – Third Street Light Rail) – Informational Presentation on the Proposed Project. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MTA) is proposing construction of the second phase of the Third Street Light Rail project. A supplemental environmental document Draft SEIS/SEIR) has been prepared to meet the requirements of both CEQA and NEPA and analyzes updated information from the original EIS/EIR that was certified in 1998. The goal of the proposed project is to provide Muni Metro rail service from 4th and King (current terminus of Phase 1 –the T-Third line) to Chinatown in a mostly subway configuration.
Speaker(s):
John Fugie
Board Questions
A Board member asked how the archaeological resources will be identified and protected. A Board member questioned what buildings were being torn down for the entrances. A Board member asked the maximum depth for the street services. Board members requested additional information on the construction monitoring and on mitigation measures. In the Technical Report, the state survey forms and the appendices for this report are missing. A Board member asked what happened to the Section 106 process. A Board member asked how the proposed project would tie into the transbay terminal. A Board member asked if there was a ridership study performed.
Tape No. 1b
ADJOURNMENT: 3:45 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sonya Banks,
Recording Secretary
ADOPTED: 12/05/07
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