SAN FRANCISCO
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

 

Meeting Minutes

 

Commission Chambers Room 400,
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102-4689

Wednesday, October 4, 2017
12:30 p.m.
Regular Hearing

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:   Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland

THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY PRESIDENT WOLFRAM AT 12:45 PM

STAFF IN ATTENDANCE:  Jeff Joslin – Director of Current Planning, Allison Vanderslice, Michael Li, Rebecca Salgado, Shannon Ferguson, Tim Frye – Historic Preservation Officer, Jonas P. Ionin –Commission Secretary

SPEAKER KEY:
+ indicates a speaker in support of an item;

• indicates a speaker in opposition to an item; and

= indicates a neutral speaker or a speaker who did not indicate support or opposition.

A. GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

At this time, members of the public may address the Commission on items of interest to the public that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission except agenda items. With respect to agenda items, your opportunity to address the Commission will be afforded when the item is reached in the meeting.  Each member of the public may address the Commission for up to three minutes.

SPEAKER:            Marvin Lambert – Zen rock garden

B. DEPARTMENT MATTERS

1. Director's Announcements               

Tim Frye, Preservation Officer:
Director not present although the Director of Current Planning is; happy to answer any questions should you have them.

2. Review of Past Events at the Planning Commission, Staff Report and Announcements

Tim Frye, Preservation Officer:
No formal report from the Planning Commission, however, few items, pending items, from this commission at the Board of Supervisors wanted to give you an update; first of all, although it's been some time, just to reiterate the El Ray Theatre was designated formally on July 27th when the Mayor signed that ordinance. New Era Hall is still resting at the Board of Supervisors and hasn't been scheduled for Land Use Committee yet, but as soon as it does, we will let you know. The Gaughran House, which is that single-family home on Folsom Street that you recommended landmark designation approval, is scheduled for Land Use on October 16th and Third Baptist Church, also positively recommended by this commission, is scheduled for Land Use on October 23rd and the Department will be there in representing you and the Planning Department; so those are the few items that are pending at the Board. I also wanted to make you aware as, although you've probably seen plenty of information, regarding the Pioneer Monument and the discussions at the Arts Commission about the possible removal of the monument in total or a part of the assembly. The Arts Commission prepared a wonderful case packet, or its staff prepared a wonderful packet for its commission which I'm going to forward to all of you because it has great contextual information that I think you'll need for the future. I also have a copy of the e-mail and written letters of support or opposition that they've received so far and that will be forward to you as well, well in advance of your hearing. So, to let you know this past Monday, the Commission did meet and unanimously approved a motion directing their staff to begin the process for deaccessioning and disposing of at least that one early-days section of the monument. They do acknowledge that a thorough report needs to be done. The Arts Commission has its own guidelines on how to approach this type of work. The Arts Commission staff will prepare a document and in the motion it is acknowledged that a certificate of appropriateness is required by this commission so you will see it and you'll see the report they prepare once that information is ready and they file. I also put the Arts Commission staff in touch with Donna Graves who has offered to provide some advice and support as to how to approach difficult history such as this and hopefully give them some ideas on how to at least contextualize the activities that are happening around the removal of this part of the monument, so more on that later but I wanted to let you know we will e-mail you copies of this information shortly. Also wanted to give you an update on the Bush Street Cottage Row Certificate of Appropriateness for the Zen Garden; it was part of our staff report prior to the public comment. I wanted to let you know that since the Certificate of Appropriateness was withdrawn on June 28th of this year, we did receive a revised proposal for the design and based on that revised proposal and the requirements under Article 10, it is determined no longer necessary needing a Certificate of Appropriateness by this commission. So, no need to or desire to subvert the process. As you know, there are some types of projects that require C of A and some that don't. In particular just for your reference we use Section 10005 of Article 10 of the Planning Code, sub-section 3, which states that alteration to city owned parks, squares, plaza and gardens where the designating ordinance identifies such alterations shall be subject to the provisions of Article 10. So in that case we go to Appendix K, which outlines the requirements of the Bush Street Cottage Row District and under Section 7, subsection B, exterior changes requiring approval related to the park, it does list fences, retaining walls, windows, security gates, light fixtures, etc. and other building features giving us the indication that these are supposed to be large structural elements that would normally require a building permit because the project has been revised not to trigger a building permit and essentially be landscaping, boulders, other types of minor alterations like that, we determined it no longer qualified for a building permit or C of A; so just to give you an update on that decision. Finally, as you requested at a previous hearing from the Office of Small Business we have begun receiving bi-annual or bi-monthly reports from the Legacy Business Office and I forwarded those to the Commission Secretary forwarded those to you this morning and will continue to forward those as we receive them, so that concludes my comments unless you have any questions. Thank you.

Commissioner Johns:
I appreciate your willingness to get us that information about the Pioneer Monument well in advance. I think it would be a good idea given what I think will be the complexities of this situation to have, assuming this does come before us, to have the staff report and analysis two weeks before the hearing rather than just one week. If I may, a second item, on the legacy business. At times we have discussed without a great deal of focus the possibility of having some kind of a medallion or badge or mark or something which would identify the legacy businesses. I just wonder if you could look into that for a future meeting so we could move that forward.

Commissioner Johnck:
Regarding the Pioneer Monument, I also want to thank you for giving us the most information contextual on the subject and this is such a major issue. I think it would be helpful to have an informational hearing if possible depending on when this would be scheduled for us ahead of a vote and otherwise we are getting the actual certificate schedule for official hearing and informational hearing. We can take public comment.

President Wolfram:
I think that's a good idea because it may take a while for the Certificate of Appropriateness to come before us. Certainly because it is as Commissioner Johnck said would be a complex issue, it would be helpful to have information in advance.

Commissioner Matsuda:
I also had a question about the Pioneer Monument. The report that the Arts Commission put together, I'm sure you read it, does it contain information about case law, legal case law that they researched where similar situations have come about and how that process and procedural?

Tim Frye, Preservation Officer:
Not exactly, but that's something I can ask them or the city attorney to look into. It's more about the context of the history of the Pioneer Monument itself and how it was a gift to the city from James Slick, but I can connect with their city attorney to see what we can provide.

Commissioner Matsuda:
I think it would be helpful information for us especially if we're going to have an informational hearing meeting on that and then, secondly, Commissioner Johns asked about the legacy business project. They did, I participated as a member of the Historic Preservation Commission with the Small Business Commission and we were able to select a vendor who will be doing the branding and the marketing for them. It was unanimous that this particular artist or graphic designer would clearly understand and I think bring forward the true essence and the true respect that these legacy businesses should receive. So, hopefully you will be seeing that soon.

Commissioner Hyland:
I just want to add on to the comment on the legacy business item. I was going to bring this up during item 5 with comments and questions. We're having another Cultural Heritage Assets Committee hearing today after this meeting and we intend to identify some agenda items for future CHA hearings as well as bringing some of that information back to the full Commission. So having a review of the medallion or that information would be certainly worthwhile. We also want to have Richard, I forget his last name, Peria, come in and actually present the bi-monthly updates to the full commission and then we did want to agendized an item for the full commission to look back at the last year plus so that we can evaluate and improve on the process and the details of that of the legacy business.

President Wolfram:
Thank you Mr. Frye for that very helpful report; one request is could you please maybe forward to the Commission the information they provided verbally about the Bush Street Cottage Row? So that we have, I know there's a member of the public was concerned about that and it would be helpful for the Commissioners to have that analysis done and perhaps also respond to his questions via e-mail with that same information. I think we can move on.

C. COMMISSION MATTERS

3. President's Report and Announcements

None

4. Consideration of Adoption:

• Draft Minutes for ARC July 19, 2017

SPEAKER:	None
ACTION:	Adopted
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland

5. Commission Comments & Questions

Commissioner Matsuda:
No, just that we are starting to receive e-mails about the Pioneer Monument.

Commissioner Hyland:
Another item, as you know, Commissioner Johnck and I, are on the working group for the Waterfront Long-Range Update Plan and last night we had our second full working group follow up after coming out of subcommittees. I wasn't there for the full meeting last night, but we did talk about the historic preservation aspects of the plan and we are going to invite, correct Mr. Frye, we are going to invite the Port to come and present some of the findings.

Tim Frye, Preservation Officer:
Yes I apologize I neglected to add that to my report. They have confirmed for November 15th.

Commissioner Hyland:
Excellent. Thank you.

6. CASA SANCHEZ – Resolution recognizing Casa Sanchez as the 100th business to be listed on the Legacy Business Registry and for its contributions to the City of San Francisco.
Preliminary Recommendation:  Adopt

SPEAKER:	None
ACTION:	Adopted
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	900

D. REGULAR CALENDAR 

7. 2014-002541ENV                                                (A. VANDERSLICE: (415) 575-9075)
INDIA BASIN MIXED USE PROJECT – which includes 700 Innes Avenue, 900 Innes Avenue, India Basin Shoreline Park, and India Basin Open Space locations - generally bounded by the San Francisco Bay on the northeast, Earl Street and the Candlestick Point–Hunters Point Phase I and Phase II Shipyard Development Plan areas on the southeast, Innes Avenue on the southwest, and Hunters Point Boulevard on the northwest. – Informational Presentation regarding the India Basin Mixed-Use Project. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) and the privately owned real estate development company BUILD proposed a public-private partnership to redevelop approximately 38 acres located along the India Basin shoreline into an integrated network of new public parks, wetland habitat, and a mixed-use urban village. The mixed-use urban village would include two options: (1) a residentially-oriented project with approximately 1,240 dwelling units, 275,330 square feet of commercial space, 50,000 square feet of institutional space, and 1,800 parking spaces; or (2) a commercially-oriented option with approximately 500 dwelling units, 1,000,000 square feet of commercial space, 50,000 square feet of institutional space, and 1,932 parking spaces. The project is within P (Public Use), M-1 (Light Industrial), M-2 (Heavy Industrial), and NC-2 (Neighborhood Commercial, Small Scale) Use Districts, and OS and 40-X Height and Bulk Districts. The Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project will also be at the Historic Preservation Commission for review and comment on October 4, 2017.
Preliminary Recommendation:  None - Informational

SPEAKER:	= Allison Vanderslice – Staff report + Phil Ginsburg – Introduction + Courtney Cash – Project presentation + Nicole Avril – Project presentation
ACTION:	None – Informational

8. 2014-002541ENV                                                (A. VANDERSLICE: (415) 575-9075)
INDIA BASIN MIXED USE PROJECT – which includes 700 Innes Avenue, 900 Innes Avenue, India Basin Shoreline Park, and India Basin Open Space locations - generally bounded by the San Francisco Bay on the northeast, Earl Street and the Candlestick Point–Hunters Point Phase I and Phase II Shipyard Development Plan areas on the southeast, Innes Avenue on the southwest, and Hunters Point Boulevard on the northwest. – Commission Review and Comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR). The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (RPD) and the privately owned real estate development company BUILD proposed a public-private partnership to redevelop approximately 38 acres located along the India Basin shoreline into an integrated network of new public parks, wetland habitat, and a mixed-use urban village. The mixed-use urban village would include two options: (1) a residentially-oriented project with approximately 1,240 dwelling units, 275,330 square feet of commercial space, 50,000 square feet of institutional space, and 1,800 parking spaces; or (2) a commercially-oriented option with approximately 500 dwelling units, 1,000,000 square feet of commercial space, 50,000 square feet of institutional space, and 1,932 parking spaces. The project is within P (Public Use), M-1 (Light Industrial), M-2 (Heavy Industrial),and NC-2 (Neighborhood Commercial, Small Scale) Use Districts, and OS and 40-X Height and Bulk Districts.
Note: 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 addressed in the Final EIR. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the DEIR on Thursday, October 19, 2017. Written comments on the DEIR will be accepted at the Planning Department until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2017.
Preliminary Recommendation: Review and Comment

SPEAKER:	= Michael Li – Staff report = Allison Vanderslice – Staff report, Historic resources
ACTION:	Reviewed and Commented The HPC confirms that the DEIR adequately analyzed cultural resources. The HPC concurs with the findings that the proposed project does not meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and would result in a significant and unavoidable impact on an identified historic resource, the India Basin Scow Schooner Boatyard Vernacular Cultural Landscape. The HPC agreed that the DEIR analyzed an appropriate range of preservation alternatives to address historic resource impacts. Further, the HPC appreciated that the preservation alternatives not only avoid some or all of the identified significant impacts but also met or partially met the project objectives. The HPC supports the mitigation measures presented in the DEIR. The HPC specifically supports a robust interpretation program for the India Basin Scow Schooner Boatyard Vernacular Cultural Landscape that will interpret the significant features of the landscape and will present the history of boatbuilding at the project site and in the region.
LETTER:	0082

9. 2016-010367COA                                                        (R. SALGADO: (415) 575-9101)
651 SCOTT STREET – located on the west side of Scott Street, Assessor's Block 1202, Lot 001A.  Request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the removal of two existing garage doors at the first floor of the Scott Street façade and the installation of two multi-lite wood casement windows in their place, with new surrounding brick to match the existing brick found at the base of the building. This work, along with alterations to door and window openings at the first floor at the rear façade, is connected with the addition of three accessory dwelling units at the first floor of the building in portions of the building currently serving as garage, storage, and workshop space. The subject property is located within the Alamo Square Landmark District, and is located within an RM-2 (Residential-Mixed, Moderate Density) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk Limit. 
Preliminary Recommendation:  Approve with Conditions

SPEAKER:	= Rebecca Salgado – Staff report Krista – Removal of parking
ACTION:	Approved with Conditions
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
MOTION:	0318

10a. 2017-005434MLS                                                       (S. FERGUSON: (415) 575-9074)
215 AND 229 HAIGHT STREET – northwest corner of Haight and Buchanan streets. Assessor's Block 0857 Lot 002 (District 8). Consideration of adoption of a resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval of a Mills Act historical property contract. The Mills Act authorizes local governments to enter into contracts with owners of private historical property who, through the historical property contract, assure the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and maintenance of a qualified historical property. In return, the property owner enjoys a reduction in property taxes for a given period. Designated as San Francisco Landmark Nos. 257 and 258 under Article 10 of the Planning Code, the Spanish style Woods Hall and Woods Hall Annex was rehabilitated in 2015-2016 as multiple-family housing. The subject property is within a NC-3 (Neighborhood Commercial, Moderate Scale), RM-3 (Residential Mixed, Medium Density), and P (Public) Zoning District and 85-X, 50-X and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Recommendation: Adopt a Recommendation for Approval

SPEAKER:	= Shannon Ferguson – Staff report
ACTION:	Adopted a Recommendation for Approval
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	901

10b. 2017-005884MLS                                                            (S. FERGUSON: (415) 575-9074)
56 POTOMAC STREET – east side of Potomac Street between Waller Street and Duboce Park. Assessor's Block 0866, Lot 012 (District 8). Consideration of adoption of a resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval to amend an existing Mills Act historical property contract. The Mills Act authorizes local governments to enter into contracts with owners of private historical property who, through the historical property contract, assure the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and maintenance of a qualified historical property. In return, the property owner enjoys a reduction in property taxes for a given period. Designated as a contributor to the Duboce Park Landmark District under Article 10 of the Planning Code, the two-story plus basement, wood frame, single-family dwelling was originally designed in the Shingle style and built in 1899 by builder George H. Moore and altered with smooth stucco cladding at the primary façade at an unknown date. The property is within a RH-2 (Residential-House-Two Family) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Recommendation: Adopt a Recommendation for Approval

SPEAKER:	Same as Item #10a.
ACTION:	Adopted a Recommendation for Approval
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	902

10c. 2017-004959MLS                                                       (S. FERGUSON: (415) 575-9074)
60-62 CARMELITA STREET – east side of Carmelita Street between Waller Street and Duboce Park. Assessor's Block 0864, Lot 014. Consideration of adoption of a resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval with conditions of a Mills Act historical property contract. The Mills Act authorizes local governments to enter into contracts with owners of private historical property who, through the historical property contract, assure the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and maintenance of a qualified historical property. In return, the property owner enjoys a reduction in property taxes for a given period. Designated as a contributor to the Duboce Park Landmark District under Article 10 of the Planning Code, the two-story plus basement, wood frame, multiple-family dwelling originally designed in the Edwardian style and built in 1899 was altered with smooth stucco cladding at the primary façade at an unknown date. The subject property is located within a RH-2 (Residential-House-Two Family) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Recommendation: Adopt a Recommendation for Approval with Conditions

SPEAKER:	Same as Item #10a.
ACTION:	Adopted a Recommendation for Approval
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	903

10d. 2017-005396MLS                                                           (S. FERGUSON: (415) 575-9074)
101 VALLEJO STREET – southwest corner of Vallejo and Front streets, Assessor's Block 0141, Lot 013 (District 3). Consideration of adoption of a resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval of a Mills Act historical property contract. The Mills Act authorizes local governments to enter into contracts with owners of private historical property who, through the historical property contract, assure the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and maintenance of a qualified historical property. In return, the property owner enjoys a reduction in property taxes for a given period. Designated as Landmark No. 91 (Gibb-Sanborn Warehouses) under Article 10 of the Planning Code, a contributor to the Northeast Waterfront Historic District, and individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the two-story plus basement, heavy timber and brick warehouse building designed in the Commercial Style and built in 1855 for merchant Daniel Gibb who also built the subject property's twin at the northwest corner of Vallejo and Front streets. Both buildings appear to be the oldest surviving warehouses in San Francisco. The subject property is located within a C-2 (Community Business) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Recommendation: Adopt a Recommendation for Approval

SPEAKER:	Same as Item #10a.
ACTION:	Adopted a Recommendation for Approval
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	904

10e. 2017-005880MLS                                                       (S. FERGUSON: (415) 575-9074)
627 WALLER STREET – south side of Waller Street between Carmelita and Pierce streets. Assessor's Block 0864, Lot 022 (District 8) Consideration of adoption of a resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval of a Mills Act historical property contract. The Mills Act authorizes local governments to enter into contracts with owners of private historical property who, through the historical property contract, assure the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and maintenance of a qualified historical property. In return, the property owner enjoys a reduction in property taxes for a given period. Designated as a contributor to the Duboce Park Landmark District under Article 10 of the Planning Code, the two-and-half-story plus basement, wood-frame, single-family dwelling was designed in the Queen Anne style and built in 1899 The subject property is located within a RTO (Residential Transit Oriented District) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Recommendation: Adopt a Recommendation for Approval

SPEAKER:	Same as Item #10a.
ACTION:	Adopted a Recommendation for Approval
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	905

10f. 2017-005887MLS                                                      (S. FERGUSON: (415) 575-9074)
940 GROVE STREET – south side of Waller Street between Carmelita and Pierce streets. Assessor's Block 0798 Lot 058 (District 5) Consideration of adoption of a resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval of a Mills Act historical property contract. The Mills Act authorizes local governments to enter into contracts with owners of private historical property who, through the historical property contract, assure the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and maintenance of a qualified historical property. In return, the property owner enjoys a reduction in property taxes for a given period. Designated as a contributor to the Alamo Square Historic District under Article 10 of the Planning Code, the two-and-half-story plus basement, wood frame, single-family dwelling was designed in the Queen Anne style by master architect Albert Pissis and built in 1895. The subject property is located within a RH-3 (Residential-House, Three Family) Zoning District and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Recommendation: Adopt a Recommendation for Approval

SPEAKER:	Same as Item #10a.
ACTION:	Adopted a Recommendation for Approval
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	906

10g. 2017-005419MLS                                                         (S. FERGUSON: (415) 575-9074)
973 MARKET STREET – south side of Waller Street between Carmelita and Pierce streets. Assessor's Block 3704, Lot 069 (District 4) Consideration of adoption of a resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval of a Mills Act historical property contract. The Mills Act authorizes local governments to enter into contracts with owners of private historical property who, through the historical property contract, assure the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and maintenance of a qualified historical property. In return, the property owner enjoys a reduction in property taxes for a given period. Designated as a contributor to the Market Street Theater and Loft National Register Historic District, the seven-story plus basement steel frame building was designed by master architect Willis Polk in 1900 and the Byzantine style terra cotta façade survived the 1906 earthquake. The subject property is located within a C-3-G (Downtown-General) Zoning District and 120-X Height and Bulk District.
Recommendation: Adopt a Recommendation for Approval

SPEAKER:	Same as Item #10a.
ACTION:	Adopted a Recommendation for Approval
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	907

10h. 2017-006300MLS                                                      (S. FERGUSON: (415) 575-9074)
1338 FILBERT STREET – north side of Filbert Street between Polk and Larkin streets. Assessor's Block, Lots 031, 032, 033, 034 (District 2). Consideration of adoption of a resolution recommending Board of Supervisors approval of a Mills Act historical property contract. The Mills Act authorizes local governments to enter into contracts with owners of private historical property who, through the historical property contract, assure the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation and maintenance of a qualified historical property. In return, the property owner enjoys a reduction in property taxes for a given period. Designated as San Francisco Landmark No. 232, 1338 Filbert Cottages, it consists of four, two-story, wood frame, single family dwellings designed in a vernacular post-earthquake period style with craftsman references and built in 1907 with a 1943 addition The subject property is located within a RH-2 (Residential – House, Two Family) and 40-X Height and Bulk District.
Recommendation: Adopt a Recommendation for Approval

SPEAKER:	Same as Item #10a.
ACTION:	Adopted a Recommendation for Approval
AYES:	Wolfram, Matsuda, Pearlman, Johns, Johnck, Hyland
RESOLUTION:	908

ADJOURNMENT – 2:32 PM
ADOPTED NOVEMBER 15, 2017