FOGG Committee Meeting #49
The 49th Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, August 28, 2007. Attendees were: Rita Aarons, Bill Benkavitch, Allan Brotsky, Muriel Brotsky, Dave Burnett, Al Glassgold, Sue Hestor, Lorraine Honig, Victor Honig, Bob Iwersen, Lee Radner, Rogene Radner, Diana Taylor, Martie Young.
1 Chairman Lee Radner thanked all the Committee members and FOGG team members who contacted Senator Carole Migden, and Assembly Members Mark Leno and Fiona Ma voicing support for Senator Migden’s SB 815, as amended. Lee stated that he faxed all sixteen members of the Appropriations Committee a letter and an image of the proposed development to give them some sense of what the buildings would do to the neighborhood. Lee reported that support for the legislation is very strong throughout the community, as there have been several conference calls and meetings within the past two weeks as part of the lobbying effort to move the bill forward. Many thanks to the Telegraph Hill Dwellers, Barbary Coast Neighborhood Association, and San Francisco Tomorrow. The pressure on Senator Migden to change the bill has been unrelenting. The SF Port, Mayor Gavin Newsom’s office, and the special interest groups who would benefit from the Seawall Lots being removed from the Public Trust have all been making a push.
Committee members Dave Burnett and Martie Young both wrote letters to the SF Chronicle concerning SB 815. Dave’s letter was published, and can be read by clicking on this link SF Gate Letters. Thanks to both Dave and Martie for writing.
FOGG attorney Sue Hestor updated the Committee on the latest status of SB 815. The bill is scheduled to be heard on Thursday, August 30 by the Assembly Appropriations Committee. There have been some further changes to the amendment. All Seawall Lots north of Market Street will not be included in the amendment. This is good news as Seawall Lot 351, which abuts the Club and is part of the developer’s proposal at the SF Planning Department, will remain in the Public Trust. Remaining in the Public Trust means that no private housing can be built on the lot. Sue also said that the 40 feet height limit would not be included in the amendment. Mayor Newsom has stated that it is bad policy for the state to legislate over local (zoning) controls. FOGG will put out an Alert as soon as we know the results of the Appropriations Committee hearing.
2 Attorney Sue Hestor also updated the Committee on actions for permanent legislation on open space. The ultimate goal is to adopt permanent zoning controls which protect recreation facilities. The first part of this is development of standards that ultimately can be used throughout the City. This is being done now in the Eastern Neighborhoods. Simultaneously, the SF Planning Department is drafting amendments to the Recreation and Open Space Element of the City’s General Plan. Sue says the time line is about 6 months for the Eastern area and the rest of the City in about a year. FOGG will keep our team members informed as new information becomes available.
3 Committee member and architect Bob Iwersen has developed an alternative design proposal for the Club and Seawall Lot 351. This alternative design, in FOGG’s opinion, is a better fit into the neighborhood than the proposal submitted by the current developer. It provides a mix of retail/commercial buildings, underground parking, and preserves the existing open recreational space at the Club. A set of drawings has been given to Senator Migden. Additionally, the drawings have been discussed with supporters of the current developer. They are not interested in it as they want condominiums and more parking. FOGG intends to continue showing its alternative design to interested parties. As stated repeatedly, FOGG is not opposed to development provided the existing open recreational space is preserved. The alternative design drawings will be available on our web site later next week.
4. Lee Radner led a discussion on FOGG’s desire to get our message out to more people. Many new members at the Club do not know about the proposed development. A FOGG Notice card has been printed explaining what is happening. Committee members will be distributing the cards around the area. A FOGG Media Subcommittee is being established.
5 Lee Radner gave a brief report on FOGG finances. Funds are holding up. All legal fees have been paid. Some additional expenses are pending and some additional contributions have been received. FOGG again thanks everyone who has made their tax deductible contribution. As always, donations are welcome either through this web site or by sending a check made out to Agape/FOGG to James Eggert, CPA, 550 Davis Court #46, San Francisco, CA 94111.