Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, November 15, 2004
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: William Meyer, Rod Freebairn-Smith, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, Jeanne Przyblyski
Absent: Andrea Cochran
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order:
- Seismic Upgrades of Bay Division Pipeline 3 & 4 at the Hayward Fault Crossing Phase 1
Peter Wong, senior architect, DPW BOA introduced the project team, Fara Perez, architectural associate, DPW BOA and Lota de Castro, project manager, SFPUC.
Ms. Castro explained that the project site is located in the city of Fremont. The project is part of a major capital improvement plan to upgrade SFPUC water delivery infrastructure. She stated that the SFPUC right of way crosses over 4 major fault zones along the Hayward fault. Ms. Castro explained that a seismic event of magnitude 7.0 would cause severe damage to the water delivery system. To ensure water reliability and safety two new automatic shut off valves need to be installed at the east and west ends of Pipelines 3 & 4. Ms. Castro stated that Fara Perez would present the design for the buildings that would house the shut off valves.
Ms. Perez stated that two identical underground vaults would be covered by two single story buildings. The site for each building is located behind residential backyards. The homes are a combination of one and two story structures. Ms. Perez stated that the residents of the neighborhood would be able to see the new buildings from their backyards. The building is designed to fit in with existing residential architectural styles. The buildings would be made of concrete, stucco and fiberglass tile roofs. Colonnades with wood trellises are used to screen mechanical equipment.
Ms. Perez explained that a metal fence would surround the building prohibiting any public access. She said that the height of the building was kept to minimum requirements to reduce the visual impact to the neighbors.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon stated that it was interesting that the building looks residential and commented that she liked the design.
Ms. Perez commented that the community expressed a strong desire to have a building that did not look like a utility structure.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked if there was an exterior signage system. She stated that she understood that there were new security concerns in place, however, she felt that it was important for the public to understand what their tax dollars were being spent on.
Ms. Perez stated that exterior signage was not part of the design package.<<br />
Commissioner Freebairn Smith asked if there was a community desire for landscape improvements.
Ms. de Castro stated that it is prohibited to plant in the PUC right of way. She also explained that plant roots could damage the underground pipes. Ms. Castro stated that there wasn’t any money in the budget for landscape improvements. She stated that if funds became available, the SFPUC would be open to looking at planting shallow root shrubs near the building.
Motion to approve Seismic upgrades of Bay Division Pipeline 3& 4 at the Hayward Fault Crossing Phase 1: Przyblyski
Vote: Unanimous
- Forest Knoll Pump station & Storage Tank Upgrades Phase 1
Howard Fung, project manager, DPW BOA stated that the scope of the project was to replace an existing pump station with a new building. The new site would be adjacent to the existing site along Christopher Drive. Mr. Fung introduced Edmund Shum, architect, DPW BOA and Martha Ketterer, landscape architect, DPW BOE.
Mr. Shum explained that the scope of the project includes a new building, landscape improvements, replacement of a 30 ft. diameter water tank, installation of infrastructure to connect the tank to the pump station and various electrical and mechanical upgrades.
Mr. Shum stated that the new building would be a single-story building setback 36 ft. from the street to minimize the visual impact. The site is nestled into a thick grove of eucalyptus trees that completely screen the water storage tanks from public view. Mr. Shum explained that a vinyl chain link fence would surround the perimeter of the building.
Ms. Ketterer explained that the landscape was designed to blend in with the existing forest landscape. She said that there would be minimal new planting.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon stated that the design was fine. Ms. Stauffacher Solomon also stated that she would like to see more eucalyptus planted in the landscape plan.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked how the art enrichment would be incorporated in this project. Ms. Przyblyski reiterated her belief that the City’s infrastructure should not be so inconspicuous.&# She stated that it is important for the residents to understand where and how their infrastructure works. These building are very much civic structures and should be functional as well as beautiful.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith agreed with commissioner Przyblyski. He also asked if the color of the frame for the perimeter fencing matched the actual fence color.
Mr. Shum said that the funds allocated for art enrichment will be aggregated and used for another project that has public access. He also answered that the fence and frame are the same color.
Commissioner Meyer stated that the project met the requirements for a Phase 2 approval. A motion to approve Phase 2 will be recommended at the December Full Commission meeting under committee reports.
Motion Forest Knoll Pump station & Storage Tank Upgrades Phase 1: Przyblyski
Vote: Unanimous
- California Japan Town Landmark Project Phase 1
Rob Kawamura, project manager, Osaki Design, Inc. stated that a different site was being proposed for the California Japantown Landmark project. The sidewalk opposite the Buchannan Street mall just outside of the Peace pPlaza was proposed as an alternative at the October Civic Design meeting. Mr. Kawamura, the design team and key stakeholders have determined that the sidewalk just in front of the Peace Plaza would be the best location for the monument. He presented several boards depicting the landmark from various angles.
Mr. Kawamura stated that the actual design and material had not changed since the October review. Mr. Kawamura introduced Allen M. Okamoto of the Nihonmachi Parking Corporation and Sandy Mori of the Japantown Taskforce.
Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
Ms. Mori stated that she would be presenting the new location to the Japantown taskforce at their next meeting on November 22. She stated that she did not anticipate any objections to the proposed site.
Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon stated that the location was fine.
Commissioner Meyer agreed that the new proposed location works much better.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she liked the new site. Ms. Przyblyski said that although the landmark is outside of the Buchannan Street Mall there still needs to be an organized effort to clean up the space. She also commented that she would like to see a comprehensive plan of the interpretive signage that is proposed for a later phase.
Commissioner Freebairn-Smith stated that the polished stone and bronze works better aesthetically in the Peace Plaza than the rustic aesthetic of Buchanan Street Mall.
Motion California Japan Town Landmark Project Phase 1 & 2: Przyblyski
Vote: Unanimous
- New Business
Ms. Gonchar stated that staff was in the process of drafting revised Civic Design Guidelines. The draft will be sent to each commissioners for review and comment.
- Adjournment 5:15
Revision Date 11/29/04
