Pacific Heights Residents Association

September 2002

Update on Issues in Our Area -- Many issues before the PHRA board take on a life of their own. Here is the status of several that continue to come before the Board.

2607-2610 Jackson Street--PHRA's Board Member Ian Berke has filed an appeal with the Board of Appeals against the Planning Commission's approval of an application to demolish two homes at 26706-26100 Jackson St., merge the lots, and construct a large modern house.

The hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9, but could be delayed for months as the Mayor has not sent new nominations to the Board of Supervisors.

PHRA strongly opposes the project because two homes are being destroyed to create one very large house, removing two relatively affordable homes from the housing stock and replacing them with one very expensive house. Further, the design violates the neighborhood design guidelines and is sharply out of character the with block, which faces Alta Plaza Park.

Alan Malouf and Daniela Kirshenbaum are currently negotiating with the architect to forge a mutually acceptable comprise for the project.

Chong Wo Laundry--(2863 California Street). This issue has already been before the Planning Commission, which approved the replacement of the historic building by four residential units above commercial space with parking provided off-site. The Board of Supervisors has asked the developer for a long-term alternative parking plan and will not grant a construction permit until the developer has provided the plan. There has been no official focus on an equally serious issue: use of the commercial space for a proposed restaurant which is expected to increase parking and traffic problems in the area.

The Presidio--The Presidio Trust has announced final plans that unfortunately are not substantially different from the original plans. Other than filing a lawsuit, there is no recourse to stop these plans.

Crystal Market--(2794 California Street) Neighbors have filed an appeal to reduce the height of the proposed addition in the rear yard at 2020 Divisidero Street and eliminate four reportedly illegal billboards on this architecturally significant building.

Street Banners--Courtney Clarkson is working with Supervisor Newsom's office on a comprehensive resolution to ban street banners in residential neighborhood.