With the giants game going on, it was no wonder that only 16 people showed up for the meeting! Huge thanks for the folks who helped distribute the fliers!: Ted Teipel, Kevin Dunn, Barbara Presta, John Koelsch, Nathan Hall, Kazumi Matsuyama, Janice Low, Philip Byland and Kathy Flanders.
Jeff Adachi, Public Defender of SF since 2002, is the author of Proposition B. The goal of Prop B is to reign in pension and health care costs to the city. After Jeff described the proposition in great detail, I asked him 5 questions. Then he took questions from the group. This is by far the most contentious SF ballot measure this year. Public employees are upset that their benefits will be cut, labor unions are fighting to keep these benefits for the employees, and the city is looking for ways to eliminate or reduce some of its skyrocketing expenses. The biggest burden would be on those who earn less, who have more than 2 children and who are hoping to keep their current health plan. Whether it's Prop B or some other drastic measure, some method of cutting costs will need to be implemented.
Mike Lowman, a member of the Civil Sidewalks field staff came to discuss Proposition L & M. Prop L would enable police to address the problem of people camping out on sidewalks and in many cases disrupting residents, merchants and shoppers. It would be in affect only from 7AM - 11PM, and only pertain to sidewalks. It would not change people's ability to camp out in plazas or in doorways. The SF version of this proposition originated in the Haight where the problem has become extreme. It's designed to close a loophole in the police's ability to request that a person or people move along or risk getting arrested. Something similar has been enacted in 60 other US cities. He also discussed Proposition M, which is the "poison pill" for Prop L. If Prop M gets one vote more than Prop L - even if Prop L passes, Prop M's passage would void Prop L. (Very confusing - sorry!)
Traffic Calming: Back in August or September, several of us went down to City Hall for the MTA hearing on our traffic calming plan for 17th St. The plan is to build an island median on the downhill side of the street, just above the top of the Corbin Steps. And a speed radar sign a bit farther down the hill. Almost all of us got up to speak - all in favor. No one spoke out against it. And it passed!
Here's the schedule I received from the person who handles traffic calming at MTA:
End of November - Finalize the locations of the island and speed radar sign.
End of December - Finalize costs and designs.
January - March, 2011 - Construction. The large window of time is to cover
DPW's construction crews' schedules and weather conditions.
75 Mars: The owner of this home has applied for permits to do a major enhancement to the property. He would like to add a unit below on the Corbett side, and an additional level above. There is a hearing scheduled for November 17th. In addition, he would like to clean out the northernmost part of the little pocket park on Mars/Corbett, and build a public stairway from near the base of his property up to Mars, near where the little bench is. This second proposal would involve separate permitting, and is far from being addressed with the Planning Dept. If you would like more information, or to see a copy of the plans, just let me know.
Corbett Slope: For years, after our success in preventing the largest open space in our neighborhood from becoming housing, I have been talking and meeting with people about possible uses for it that would keep it green and building-free. Currently no one is allowed inside. All likely winners in the District 8 Supervisor's race are pro green space. Last week I met with Karly Nagy and Jay Rosenberg at the site. They are with the SF Permaculture Guild and Kitchen Garden SF. We discussed possibilities that they could envision for the space. The Permaculture Guild educates young people about land use, soil improvement and garden design - among many other things. The hope is that some of these students would opt to work on the Corbett Slope, come up with some plans, discuss with our neighborhood, and hopefully get some assistance from us to make improvements. I'll keep you posted.
STOP signs on Mars: There is a desire by many to reduce the speed of traffic on 17th and Corbett. Our island median will hopefully alleviate this problem on 17th St. Exiting Mars in either direction can be life-risking if you've ever done it. The problem we have is that both Corbett and 17th are "major arterials" and it is very difficult, if not impossible to have STOP signs installed on such streets. In these cases it would be completely unacceptable to MTA and DPW. A neighbor had hoped to at least get STOP signs that would cause Mars traffic to stop. But since there is no possibility of exiting Mars without stopping, the idea has been tabled.
AT&T's proposed utility boxes: As AT&T's product has been losing some of its edge of late, and they are losing market share for some of its products, they are wanting to become more competitive with companies like Comcast and Verizon. Whereas those 2 companies have managed to provide internet service relatively unobtrusively, AT&T wants to erect 726 enormous boxes on our sidewalks - adjacent to their existing boxes. The new ones would be 48" tall, 51.7" wide and 26" deep. They would also be beige - graffiti magnets - AND they would hum all day - a sound similar to an electric toothbrush, according to an ATT rep. Many groups I am involved with have met to discuss this issue. Everyone would want ATT customers to have access to the UVerse product, but we are pushing them to do this without creating such visual and audible blight.
Cannabis Clubs: There were 2 applications for Cannabis outlets in the Castro - one to go into the FinDecor store on Noe St near La Mediterranee, the other into the Earthtones space on Market near Gold's Gym. Both have been tabled due to their proximity to schools. They would need to be at least 1000 feet from any school, and these 2 locations did not satisfy that requirement.
Gold's Gym: Gold's is just one of several new projects proposed along the Upper Market corridor. The original plans called for an additional floor of gym and 2 floors of rental housing above that. This plan would put them over the maximum height limit, so they are working with the Planning Dept to come up with a way around that. Almost all of the neighborhood associations and merchants approve of the plan. Word got around last week that Richard Rowling, founder and CEO of TRT Holdings, which owns the Gold's Gym brand as well as Omni Hotels, contributed over $2 million to American Crossroads, a major player behind several anti-gay candidates in this year's midterm and local elections. American Crossroads was founded by Karl Rove. The local Gold's is looking to remove itself from the Gold's
umbrella, but their contract doesn't expire until September 2012.
Trader Joe's: It is becoming more and more likely that we will not see a Trader Joe's in the old Tower Records building. There are so many roadblocks that it would be difficult for them to overcome most of them. There's the parking issue, traffic, Radio Shack's not agreeing to leave, among many other problems.
Whole Foods: The proposed store on Market at Dolores, in the old S&C Ford dealership is inching closer to acceptance. They've gotten support from almost every organization in the area as well as the neighbors, but the city still has some issues with parking. If you'd like to check out the plans, you can view them at: 2001marketsf.com.
If any of you is website-smart, and would be interested in helping out with our erstwhile website, please let me know. It would be greatly appreciated. Also, membership dues are $15/year, and they cover July thru June. If you'd care to join or renew, please send a check (made out to CHN or Corbett Heights
Neighbors) or cash to 123 Corbett or to 78 Mars - or drop it in either mailbox.
Thanks for your interest in our neighborhood!
- Gary
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
CORBETT HEIGHTS NEIGHBORS - Meeting Notes - July 22, 2010
Hello Neighbors,
We had a pretty full room for last night's meeting - 36 people attended.
I'd like to thank the people who distributed the fliers that announced the meeting: Ted Teipel, Sarah Linker-Sobel, Janice Low, Kevin Dunn, Rich Johnson, Nathan Hall, Philip Bylund, Michaeline Kiss, Kathleen and Hank Flanders and John Koelsch.
Your help is greatly appreciated!
Jim Chien from CleanPowerSF spoke first. This program is being run by the SFPUC. As of this coming winter our electricity will be provided by CleanPowerSF. Meter boxes will remain the same and the bills will continue to come from PG&E. Currently the electricity that PG&E provides comes from only 15% renewable sources. The California requirement is 20%. CleanPowerSF will start at 20% and go up to 30% in a few years. Some of the energy they will be providing will be from their own sources and the rest will come from other companies that they will partner with to provide renewable electricity.
After 60 days, I believe, we will have the opportunity to opt out of this service and return to PG&E. The rates will be comparable to what you're currently paying. Also, the rate will be established every January and will not change thru December. Clean energy is still a bit more expensive, but this shouldn't be reflected in your bill - PG&E spends hundreds of millions on marketing, advertising and for political reasons.
Owen Kennerly of Kennerly Architecture designed the proposed building expansion at 75 Mars. The design is very modern. The height of the roofline will increase by 8 - 9'. It is currently a small single residence - the original garage has been used as a living room for years. The plan is to add one level, and for a 2nd unit to be built on the laundry level. It will have a bay that goes out beyond the current rear of the house. The entrance to the lower unit will be on an easement created on the side of the building.
Corbett currently dead-ends behind this house with no access to anything without turning back. There is a 2nd, totally separate plan to create a stairway that would connect the continued sidewalk on Corbett to Mars. There would be landscaping (no larger trees will be eliminated), lighting and irrigation installed.
Many years ago an owner of this house appropriated a large section of the park and built a fence around it. This area would be opened up to the public.
Bill Hemenger, who is a candidate for Supervisor in District 8 attended and spoke about himself and his beliefs and intentions, if elected. His stance is very pro-business. He supports "sit/lie", "Fix Muni" and more parking. I asked him which politicians he admires and/or he would try and emulate. He chose Sean Elsbernd as his favorite, but also admires Bevan Dufty. Both are moderates or to the right.
Supervisorial Debate: There will be a debate sponsored by DTNA (Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Ass'n) and EVNA (Eureka Valley Neighborhood Ass'n) on Monday, October 18 at Davies Hospital. More info to follow.
17th St Traffic Calming: Antonio Piccagli, who spoke to our group a year or so ago has been transferred to the bicycle division. He had been our contact at SFMTA. Prior to his transfer he initiated the legislative approval process required to install the median island on 17th St. at the Corbin Steps. There will be a public hearing on Friday, August 13 to approve the red zones. All are welcome to attend. Letters or emails of support are welcomed. Notices will go up on telephone poles on or around August 2.) If the red zones are approved, the proposal will then be heard by the SFMTA board on the 3rd Tuesday of either September or October. After something passes the public hearing, it is highly unlikely for it not to be approved by the SFMTA board. While the legislative process is following its course, MTA will be working with DPW on the detailed design of the island and on scheduling the anticipated construction this fall.
Speed Radar Sign - approved. Installation anticipated for fall 2010. Location: either between 4341 and 4343, or between 4353 and 4367. I'm not certain which site was selected.
1395/1397 Clayton: After initially taking out permits in 2002, the project sponsor discussed the plans with neighbors and the Dept. of Building Inspection for several years, eventually reaching consensus. Then, when the economy turned sour, the original owner sold the property. The new owner retained the same architect and the same plans. DBI gave the final go-ahead just 3 months ago.
Bill Bonacker, the architect, is a preservationist and has served on several preservation boards. The design is not an imitation of a historic building, but it promises to be a more superior design because of Mr. Bonacker's sensitivities to surrounding older properties.
The plan is for one home per lot. Apparently each of the 2 lots is zoned for 3 units. There will be 3 living levels over garage. They will be set back, with the upper floors set back farther. The remaining open space will be the right of way adjacent to Pemberton Steps. We received a copy of the plans yesterday and the design is good - a giant step up from most things that have been built in the neighborhood for some time.
136 Ord: After about 2 years of battling the new owner - John Moroney - we lost in that the Planning Commission voted to not discuss and possibly alter the plans during a Discretionary Review hearing on July 8. Earlier in the year, the Commission requested that he move the house back. So, in the end, the house is about 7' shorter and about 10' farther back on the lot, allowing for more green, open space in front.
CHN Parks: There recently was a cleanup - organized by Leslie Koelsch - at the Ord Triangle Park on Ord/17th St/Corbett. A great improvement! Many thanks to Leslie and John Koelsch, Rob Rynski, Rick Johnson, Kevin Dunn, Ben Frombgen and Jessie Eicher. Many of our other parks have seen better days. PLEASE volunteer for cleanups. If you are interested in helping during future cleanups, please let me know.
Trader Joe's: There are still several hurdles that Trader Joe's needs to get beyond before getting the go-ahead. First is a traffic study. It is probably more likely that this study will pass if no parking at all is provided. If the small lot on the roof is used for customers there will be a continuous line of cars around the block all day. Second is Radio Shack, which has still not committed to moving out. The most likely location would be the Plant It Earth store directly across the street. If they agreed to this move they would still need to apply for an "conditional use" permit, since a "formula retail" (chain store) would be occupying a locally owned store. The third hurdle is that the estate of the owner of the Kard Zone has not been settled yet. Until it is, nothing can happen on the ground floor.
2299 Market (The Church Pit): The project sponsors resisted making some desired changes to their plan until 2 neighborhood organizations requested a discretionary review. At the eleventh hour they agreed to make a few changes that will improve the plan sufficiently, and promises to satisfy just about everyone. Groundbreaking can happen as soon as financing is arranged - possibly as early as this fall.
Gold's Gym: The intent of the owners of the gym is to construct a 3rd floor of gym and 2 floors of rental housing above. The latest has the owners giving a substantial amount back to the neighborhood, and thru some interesting manipulations their will likely be approved.
Medical Cannabis Clubs: 2 sets of partners have applied to open up cannabis dispensories in the Castro; one would be at the existing FineDecor store just down from La Mediterranee on Noe St. Their lease would not be renewed. The ground floor would sell cannabis as well as herbs and potions. The 2nd floor would be used for offices and storage.
The other would be at the soon-to-depart Earthtones store on Market St.
Jane Warner: In case you hadn't heard, Jane Warner, formerly of the SF Patrol Special Police passed away a couple of months ago after a long battle with cancer. She had attended CHN meetings in the past, and even patroled our neighborhood for a short time a couple of years ago. She was a wonderful woman who seemed to know every person in the Castro - from merchants to homeless. She is greatly missed.
- Gary Weiss, President CHN
We had a pretty full room for last night's meeting - 36 people attended.
I'd like to thank the people who distributed the fliers that announced the meeting: Ted Teipel, Sarah Linker-Sobel, Janice Low, Kevin Dunn, Rich Johnson, Nathan Hall, Philip Bylund, Michaeline Kiss, Kathleen and Hank Flanders and John Koelsch.
Your help is greatly appreciated!
Jim Chien from CleanPowerSF spoke first. This program is being run by the SFPUC. As of this coming winter our electricity will be provided by CleanPowerSF. Meter boxes will remain the same and the bills will continue to come from PG&E. Currently the electricity that PG&E provides comes from only 15% renewable sources. The California requirement is 20%. CleanPowerSF will start at 20% and go up to 30% in a few years. Some of the energy they will be providing will be from their own sources and the rest will come from other companies that they will partner with to provide renewable electricity.
After 60 days, I believe, we will have the opportunity to opt out of this service and return to PG&E. The rates will be comparable to what you're currently paying. Also, the rate will be established every January and will not change thru December. Clean energy is still a bit more expensive, but this shouldn't be reflected in your bill - PG&E spends hundreds of millions on marketing, advertising and for political reasons.
Owen Kennerly of Kennerly Architecture designed the proposed building expansion at 75 Mars. The design is very modern. The height of the roofline will increase by 8 - 9'. It is currently a small single residence - the original garage has been used as a living room for years. The plan is to add one level, and for a 2nd unit to be built on the laundry level. It will have a bay that goes out beyond the current rear of the house. The entrance to the lower unit will be on an easement created on the side of the building.
Corbett currently dead-ends behind this house with no access to anything without turning back. There is a 2nd, totally separate plan to create a stairway that would connect the continued sidewalk on Corbett to Mars. There would be landscaping (no larger trees will be eliminated), lighting and irrigation installed.
Many years ago an owner of this house appropriated a large section of the park and built a fence around it. This area would be opened up to the public.
Bill Hemenger, who is a candidate for Supervisor in District 8 attended and spoke about himself and his beliefs and intentions, if elected. His stance is very pro-business. He supports "sit/lie", "Fix Muni" and more parking. I asked him which politicians he admires and/or he would try and emulate. He chose Sean Elsbernd as his favorite, but also admires Bevan Dufty. Both are moderates or to the right.
Supervisorial Debate: There will be a debate sponsored by DTNA (Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Ass'n) and EVNA (Eureka Valley Neighborhood Ass'n) on Monday, October 18 at Davies Hospital. More info to follow.
17th St Traffic Calming: Antonio Piccagli, who spoke to our group a year or so ago has been transferred to the bicycle division. He had been our contact at SFMTA. Prior to his transfer he initiated the legislative approval process required to install the median island on 17th St. at the Corbin Steps. There will be a public hearing on Friday, August 13 to approve the red zones. All are welcome to attend. Letters or emails of support are welcomed. Notices will go up on telephone poles on or around August 2.) If the red zones are approved, the proposal will then be heard by the SFMTA board on the 3rd Tuesday of either September or October. After something passes the public hearing, it is highly unlikely for it not to be approved by the SFMTA board. While the legislative process is following its course, MTA will be working with DPW on the detailed design of the island and on scheduling the anticipated construction this fall.
Speed Radar Sign - approved. Installation anticipated for fall 2010. Location: either between 4341 and 4343, or between 4353 and 4367. I'm not certain which site was selected.
1395/1397 Clayton: After initially taking out permits in 2002, the project sponsor discussed the plans with neighbors and the Dept. of Building Inspection for several years, eventually reaching consensus. Then, when the economy turned sour, the original owner sold the property. The new owner retained the same architect and the same plans. DBI gave the final go-ahead just 3 months ago.
Bill Bonacker, the architect, is a preservationist and has served on several preservation boards. The design is not an imitation of a historic building, but it promises to be a more superior design because of Mr. Bonacker's sensitivities to surrounding older properties.
The plan is for one home per lot. Apparently each of the 2 lots is zoned for 3 units. There will be 3 living levels over garage. They will be set back, with the upper floors set back farther. The remaining open space will be the right of way adjacent to Pemberton Steps. We received a copy of the plans yesterday and the design is good - a giant step up from most things that have been built in the neighborhood for some time.
136 Ord: After about 2 years of battling the new owner - John Moroney - we lost in that the Planning Commission voted to not discuss and possibly alter the plans during a Discretionary Review hearing on July 8. Earlier in the year, the Commission requested that he move the house back. So, in the end, the house is about 7' shorter and about 10' farther back on the lot, allowing for more green, open space in front.
CHN Parks: There recently was a cleanup - organized by Leslie Koelsch - at the Ord Triangle Park on Ord/17th St/Corbett. A great improvement! Many thanks to Leslie and John Koelsch, Rob Rynski, Rick Johnson, Kevin Dunn, Ben Frombgen and Jessie Eicher. Many of our other parks have seen better days. PLEASE volunteer for cleanups. If you are interested in helping during future cleanups, please let me know.
Trader Joe's: There are still several hurdles that Trader Joe's needs to get beyond before getting the go-ahead. First is a traffic study. It is probably more likely that this study will pass if no parking at all is provided. If the small lot on the roof is used for customers there will be a continuous line of cars around the block all day. Second is Radio Shack, which has still not committed to moving out. The most likely location would be the Plant It Earth store directly across the street. If they agreed to this move they would still need to apply for an "conditional use" permit, since a "formula retail" (chain store) would be occupying a locally owned store. The third hurdle is that the estate of the owner of the Kard Zone has not been settled yet. Until it is, nothing can happen on the ground floor.
2299 Market (The Church Pit): The project sponsors resisted making some desired changes to their plan until 2 neighborhood organizations requested a discretionary review. At the eleventh hour they agreed to make a few changes that will improve the plan sufficiently, and promises to satisfy just about everyone. Groundbreaking can happen as soon as financing is arranged - possibly as early as this fall.
Gold's Gym: The intent of the owners of the gym is to construct a 3rd floor of gym and 2 floors of rental housing above. The latest has the owners giving a substantial amount back to the neighborhood, and thru some interesting manipulations their will likely be approved.
Medical Cannabis Clubs: 2 sets of partners have applied to open up cannabis dispensories in the Castro; one would be at the existing FineDecor store just down from La Mediterranee on Noe St. Their lease would not be renewed. The ground floor would sell cannabis as well as herbs and potions. The 2nd floor would be used for offices and storage.
The other would be at the soon-to-depart Earthtones store on Market St.
Jane Warner: In case you hadn't heard, Jane Warner, formerly of the SF Patrol Special Police passed away a couple of months ago after a long battle with cancer. She had attended CHN meetings in the past, and even patroled our neighborhood for a short time a couple of years ago. She was a wonderful woman who seemed to know every person in the Castro - from merchants to homeless. She is greatly missed.
- Gary Weiss, President CHN
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