Meeting Information

CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, February 26,  2007
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commissioners Present: Andrea Cochran, Leonard Hunter, Jeannene Przyblyski, Beverly Prior, 
 
Commissioners Absent:  John Kriken

Staff Present: Richard Newirth,  Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor

Call To Order: 3:05 p.m.

1. CDD Vehicle/Material Storage Building at UMN Pipeyard-Phase 1 & 2
   
   
   Howard Fung, Project Manager, DPW, briefly summarized the scope of work for the project. Mr. Fung stated that in response to the Commissioners' requests at the last Civic Design meeting, the project team has provided evidence of community outreach in the information packets. He also commented that presentation boards of several PUC projects were on display at the Portola Branch Library until April, 2007. Mr. Fung introduced Ernesto Ramilo, Architect, DPW BOA, to present the project.
   
   Mr. Ramilo presented new site photographs from different vantage points that illustrate how the neighbors might see the building. He said that new canopies designate the exits. Mr. Ramilo introduced Martha Ketterer, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Division, to present the landscape design.
   
   Ms. Ketterer explained that new shrubs would be planted along the Boudin Street façade to help screen the building. The shrubs would be planted on a diagonal and should grow to about 15 feet to 20 feet tall.
   
   Mr. Ramilo presented longitudinal site sections that illustrated the relationship of the building to the bermed site and adjacent existing buildings. He also presented street sections which illustrated the arrangement of the proposed new shrubs.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Hunter asked for a report on the community meetings. He stated that he wanted to know what comments, if any, were made.
   
   Robert Lopez, PUC Communications Division, stated that no comments were made at any of the community meetings regarding this specific project. The meeting washeld at the Grace Lutheran Church. Mr. Lopez said that in addition to the mailing, he also canvassed the neighborhood on foot.
   
   Commissioner Hunter asked if these boards were presented to the community.
   
   Mr. Lopez stated that the boards shown at this meeting were not presented to the community.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski commented that she supported the use of branch libraries as a place to provide information about proposed civic projects. Ms. Przyblyski questioned whether the UMN site was the best place for this type of facility or the most efficient use of the land.
   
   Mr. Fung stated that this was not simply a storage facility for vehicles but also for sensitive equipment that must be protected from the elements.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked if the planting can wrap around and up the hill to more completely mask the building along the driveway.
   
   Ms. Ketterer stated that that would not be a problem.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked that the photomontage be updated to reflect that change and be presented at Phase 3.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked for clarification on what exactly was sent out to the community. Ms. Cochran wanted to know if any type of drawings were included in the mailing.
   
   Mr. Lopez stated that a fact sheet about the project was mailed, but no drawings.
   
   Commissioner Cochran stated that the mailing did not adequately inform the community of the nature of the project. The mailer includes a written description of the technical specifications and an image of a facility from another neighborhood. She felt that due diligence was not given to informing the community clearly about the nature of this project. Ms. Cochran stated that she could not support an approval of this project without more adequate community input and communication. She stated that the mailer should include a fact sheet, a plan drawing and/or site plan and a rendered perspective of the actual proposal.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski agreed with Commissioner Cochran that the mailing presented was very confusing and misleading. She stated that at minimum a rendering of the actual project should be included in the mailing.
   
   Commissioner Prior felt that the design sections helped clarify the relationship of the building site to the adjacent properties. Ms. Prior agreed with Commissioners Przyblyski and Cochran that the community was not adequately informed about this specific project, based on the evidence submitted.
   
   Commissioner Cochran stated that the project team needs to come back with evidence that the community was informed about the specific technical and visual aspects of this project.
   
   
   
   
2. SEWPCP Building 915 Office Facility-Phase 1
   
   
   Gary Fleming, Project Manager, PUC, stated that the scope of the project was to create new administrative offices to accommodate increased staff requirements. Mr. Fleming introduced Ernesto Ramilo, Architect, DPW BOA, to talk about the design of the building.
   
   Mr. Ramilo explained that the building was a modular building composed of standard prefabricated components. The modular building was chosen because it is economical both in terms of cost and speed of construction.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Prior asked if the building could be located closer to a street instead of toward the interior of the site.
   
   Mr. Ramilo stated that the site was densely built and the proposed location was the only available site for the new construction.
   
   SEWPCP Building 915 Office Facility-Phase 2: Hunter
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
   
   
3. Van Ness Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project-Phase 2
   
   
   Kris Opbroek, Project Manager, DPW, stated that the proposed timeline for completion of the design was April 2007 and construction would begin late summer 2007. Ms. Opbroek introduced Martha Ketterer, Landscape Architect, DPW BOE Landscape Division, to present the project.
   
   Ms. Ketterer addressed the comments given by the Commissioners at the January hearing. She stated that the drawings now included the accurate dimensions for the medians along Van Ness Ave. Ms. Ketterer also commented that the median from Hayes to Market will be extended to within 10 feet of the edge of the crosswalk. The extension of the median strengthens the entrance to this boulevard.
   
   Ms. Ketterer presented more detailed drawings of the metal gates surrounding the planter box and the design for the new pavers. She also presented samples of the paver material. Ms. Ketterer stated that the color of the metal fence surrounding the planter boxes will be a midnight blue. She also stated that the project team reviewed the budget with respect to having granite in front of City Hall. She said that this would be included in the bid as an add alternate. If they received a bid on granite within budget they would use that material instead of the concrete pavers in front of City Hall.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski said that she would prefer less planting in the medians if it meant there would be money available for the granite.
   
   Commissioner Hunter stated that the extension of the median closer to Market Street was an improvement.
   
   Commissioner Cochran commented that the design was good.
   
   
   Motion to approve Van Ness Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project-Phase 2: Przyblyski
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
   
   
4. Mint Plaza-Phase 2
   
   
   Michael Yarne, Director of Development, Martin Building Company, stated that the design had been modified since the Phase 1 approval. He explained that the changes were in response to new site information as well as further development with the proposed San Francisco History Museum (“SFHM”) project at the Old Mint. Mr. Yarne said that the SFHM was proposing a more dramatic glass atrium facing the plaza. He clarified that the schematic design being shown was for reference only and that he was not representing the architects for the SFHM in any official capacity. Mr. Yarne also explained that existing underground utilities have necessitated adjustments to the location of certain landscape elements from the previously approved design. Most of the major design ideas are still present and the required changes have enhanced and strengthened the overall design concept. Mr. Yarne introduced Scott Cataffa, landscape architect, Conger Moss Guillard, to discuss the landscape design.
   
   Mr. Cataffa explained that further study of the existing grading conditions have required modification to the site plan. He commented that the site conditions have created opportunities for two terraced areas at the rear of the site. Also, the Mint and Jessie Street entrance is more formalized, with a small grove of trees creating a mini-plaza. This modification was the result of more detailed discussions with the Mayor's Office on Disability. Mr. Cataffa explained that the parking along Mint Street had been modified based on a new agreement with the property owners directly across from the SFHM project. Their cooperation has also led to new traffic-calming measures at Mint and Mission Street which includes bulbed-out sidewalks and new trees. Mr. Cataffa said that existing underground utilities have necessitated minor shifts in the geometry of the rain garden near the rear of the site. In terms of paving material, granite was originally proposed, but budget constraints have required a change. Solid recycled asphalt pavers will be used instead. He explained that this material is very durable and has been used successfully at Yerba Buena Gardens.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Hunter stated that the changes improved the overall design. He commented that the Mint and Jessie Street entrance was much better with the new trees and terraces. He felt the design was richer with these new elements. He also stated that he was glad the form of the trellises hadn't changed.
   
   Commissioner Cochran expressed concern about the size of the trees being planted in the rain garden at the Fifth Street entry. She commented that it didn't seem like there would be enough room to get the right size tree with the clearances they were expecting.
   
   Mr. Cataffa stated that they had taken into consideration the size and geometry of the rain garden and would be able to get root balls large enough to get the clearance under the trees that they desired.
   
   
   
   Motion to approve Mint Plaza-Phase 2: Cochran
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
   
5. Islais Creek Motor Coach Maintenance and Operations Facility- Phase 2
   
   
   Nancy Gonchar, Arts Commission Deputy Director, reported to the Committee that this agenda item was erroneously noted as a Phase 2 review. This project received a Phase 2 approval in February, 2001. However, this information was not available prior to the posting deadline for this meeting. Ms. Gonchar stated that the project team is present to give an informational presentation for the benefit of the new Commissioners. Ms. Gonchar recommended that the Commissioners grant a Phase 3 approval under committee reports at the March full Commission hearing.
   
   Peter Gabancho, project manager, Muni, stated that the project would be implemented in two phases. He stated that this was the only modification to the project since the Phase 2 approval. Mr. Gabancho introduced Robin Chiang, principal, Robin Chiang Company, to give an overview of the design concept.
   
   Mr. Chiang explained that the first phase of the project would consist of one bus fuel/wash building at the northern end of the site, site grading and preparation, and installation of a perimeter fence bounding the entire site. The second phase will be implemented at a later date as funding becomes available. That phase will include the maintenance/repair building, administrative offices and public lobby.
   
   Jacque Keller, landscape architect, pointed out the significant landscape design bounding the southern end of the site. A public promenade will be built which includes new planting, a decorative perimeter security fence, a large-scale steel artwork and restoration of the historic copra crane labor landmark.
   
   Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran stated that she supported the design in 2001 and still feels that it is a very good design.
   
   Commissioner Hunter commented that he appreciated the creative solution for the security fence along the public promenade.
   
   Commissioner Prior felt the design was excellent and well thought out.
   
   
   
6. Pipeline Repair and Readiness Improvements-Phase B at Sunol Yard- Phase 3 Administrative Review
   
   
   Rommel Taylor, Arts Commission Staff, stated that the construction documents submitted for review reflected the design approved at Phase 2. Mr. Taylor recommended that the Committee grant an Administrative Phase 3 approval.
   
   Motion to approve the Pipeline Repair and Readiness Improvements-Phase B at Sunol Yard-Administrative Phase 3: Przyblyski
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   
   
   
7. New Business
   
   
8. Adjournment: 5:10 p.m.
   

Revision Date 03/01/07