Potrero Boosters Newsletter - May 2003

Looking Forward

by Tony Kelly, President Elect

We had an especially crowded and lively Boosters meeting April 29 at the Neighborhood House. Thanks to everyone who showed up; I'm very happy that the election itself was not the most exciting part of the evening, and I'm looking forward to seeing many more crowded and passionate meetings in the future.
That being said, we have lots of work to do. The City as a whole is paying more attention to District 10 than it ever has, and that is both a great opportunity and a great danger.

• What kind of infrastructure (transit, city services, etc.) is planned to support new residents in Showplace Square, Mission Bay, and the Central Waterfront/Dogpatch?
• What kind of commercial neighborhood-serving and entertainment businesses should be nearby, so we don't have to get in our cars all the time for basic needs?
• How can we preserve Potrero Hill's mix of housing and industry, and its mix of quiet homes and urban character?
• How can we ensure that the City sees us as a special mixture of communities and resources, and not simply as a home for the latest power plant or other large civic project?
• Why is it that almost the entire waterfront from the Bay Bridge to Hunters Point is inaccessible to the public, and dedicated largely to uses that pollute the environment?

Between the Planning Department, the Port, City Hall, the powers behind Mission Bay, SF General Hospital, and all that they control, there is more than enough land and resources to make the southeastern neighborhoods of the City into a civic jewel, with open space at the waterfront, attractive and affordable homes, vibrant businesses and accessible services. But no City agency has the breadth of vision, or the apparent interest, to make that kind of complicated, exciting future into reality. As a result, our opportunity also carries a risk of civic disaster.

That is where the Potrero Boosters come in. For 77 years, this active neighborhood organization has been a significant voice in the City, and our potential impact is at its peak. Simply put, we need to continue our advocacy, on more issues and with more active members. I've already been working with the incoming Executive Committee on a plan for increased member communications, recruitment, and more social events. In this way, we can make the best use of the many talented and dedicated citizens on the Hill, and just as important, we can make better neighbors at the same time that we make a better neighborhood. I hope you'll join us in that work over the coming year.

President's Message

By John deCastro, President

Congratulations to Tony Kelly, your new President and his Executive Committee team that will take office at the installation and awards banquet on May 27:

Thanks to all the members of the Executive Committee that have served with me the past year. In addition thanks to the members who have donated their time, joined us in testimony before various boards and commissions, made donations to the organization and just been active neighbors. We have a great group of volunteers who are working to make our neighborhood a better place for all of us. Take a few minutes out of your day and join them in the coming year. I hope to see you at future meetings. I appreciate your support and involvement during my term of office.

News About Former S&C Ford Site

by Dick Millet

Proposed for 450 RHODE ISLAND: a 168 Unit Residential and Neighborhood Market complex by AF EVANS CO. A community presentation with a questions and answer session was held on Monday May 5th at California College of Arts and Crafts by the AF EVANS Co. The program is to develop the former S & C Ford Site at 450 Rhode Island/17th St.s as follows:

• 168 studio, 1BR, 2BR units,
• 34,500 sq ft Market
• 4,900 sq ft commercial retail garage: 168 residential + 155 visitor spaces

The project is similar to the Village at Petrini Place, Fulton & Masonic Streets.
Construction is planned to begin November 30 if all approvals are received. Completion is scheduled for Spring 2005.
Contact: Dave Latina with AF Evans Co. ph: 591-2203;
Paul Lord with SF Planning Dept. 558-6311

City Planning - May 2003

BLDG PERMIT APPLICATION #2003.01104936: 1242 DE HARO/23th Sts. Proposed 3rd flr/dormer addition (ht 36 ft) to existing duplex. in RH-2, 40-X zone. Contact: Susan Snyder, Planner, ph: 558-6543.

BLDG PERMIT APPLICATION #2002.12234085 and DEMOLITION Permit #2002.12234081. 850 ARKANSAS/Madera Sts. Propose to DEMOLISH one story garage to construct 36 ft high duplex with 2 parking spaces and a 40.5 ft rear yard in RH-2, 40-X zone. Contact: Dan Sider, Planner, ph: 558-6697.

BLDG PERMIT APPLICATION #2002.11141384: 1147 RHODE IS/25th Sts.Propose to build a HUGE (40ft) duplex with a 2 car garage with a 25 ft rear yd on a VACANT lot in an RH-2, 40-X zone. Contact: Jon Purvis, Planner, ph: 558-6354

BLDG PERMIT APPLICATION # 2003.03079071: 413-415 MISSISSIPPI/19th Sts. Propose to build dormers on 3rd floor of existing duplex. No height change. Contact: Jon Purvis, Planner, ph: 558-6354.

BLDG PERMIT APPLICATION #2003.02056739: 1068-1070 CAROLINA/22nd Sts. Proposal to legalize rear 2-story deck extension built without a permit. Contact: Jon Purvis, Planner, ph: 558-6354.