2020-11-19 · 31 comments · 9 / 22
Scott Pluta · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Project sponsor
For 11/19/2020 Hearing: Opposing 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR)Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District (SUD). I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back. The current proposal eliminates all open space, … Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District (SUD). I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back. The current proposal eliminates all open space, it has a disproportionate impact on its neighbors and it sets a bad precedent in our neighborhood. In fact, this proposal exemplifies why our community has created a Special Use District. The application also has a few flaws: This proposal eliminates open space which is clearly mandated in the SUD. Moreover the application suggests that the rear yard should be exempt from setback requirements, because it faces the street rather than being located in the middle of the block. This argument has no merit, since Section 2.f of our Special Use District specifically calls for the preservation of street-facing rear yards - in this case through-lots. I respectfully ask that you please reject these applications and direct the project sponsor to add units to the existing structure as his application suggests. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Jason Goodrick 257 States Streetshow more Comments on Record No.: 2019-013808CUAVAR, Project Address: 4300 17th StreetPlease forward to all Planning Commissioners and relevant staff. I am writing in support of the planning staff recommendation to disapprove the above project. I live close to the project site, in Cole Valley. There is a reason that the City has planning codes and landuse regulations. If the applicant wants to build this project, he needs to get the appropriate landuse and zoning code designations changed first. Bar… Please forward to all Planning Commissioners and relevant staff. I am writing in support of the planning staff recommendation to disapprove the above project. I live close to the project site, in Cole Valley. There is a reason that the City has planning codes and landuse regulations. If the applicant wants to build this project, he needs to get the appropriate landuse and zoning code designations changed first. Barring that, he is trying to side step the City's planning code and it is simply not an appropriate path to build anything in SF. A project can have lots of people supporting it and still fundamentally be in violation of the landuse law. The first test should be whether it meets basic landuse and zoning requirements. If it can't pass that basic test, then there is no project. If you approve the project against staff recommendations, then the Planning Commission is essentially approving something that does not comply with the legal requirements it is supposed to uphold. It is a basic process that every applicant before the planning commission has to follow. How many homeowners and businesses have had to change their projects multiple times based on consultation with your staff? And here, you have someone who simply ignores basic planning code and just wants to push his projects through? How much sense does that make? Please follow your staff recommendations and deny this application. Sincerely, YinLan Zhangshow more Re: 4300 17th Street, 2019-013808CUAVAR
Re: 4300 17th Street, 2019-013808CUAVAR
013808CUAVARDear Planning Commission, I am a long time resident of Ord Court. On November 19, 2020, you will be hearing an application for a Conditional Use and Variance for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District. I am always in favor of adding housing to our di… Dear Planning Commission, I am a long time resident of Ord Court. On November 19, 2020, you will be hearing an application for a Conditional Use and Variance for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District. I am always in favor of adding housing to our diminishing and needy housing stock in San Francisco., but I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back of the lot at 4300-17th Street. . The current proposal eliminates all open space, and it has a disproportionate impact on its neighbors, and it sets a bad precedent in our neighborhood. Our community was able to have a Special Use District created about five years ago, when then Supervisor Weiner recognized the need for regulations limiting the size of structures in the neighborhood and preserving open space in the neighborhood.. The application also has issues including the following: It confuses rooftops with open space, when in fact all open space would be removed. Also, the application suggests that the rear yard should be exempt from setback requirements, because the rear yard faces the street rather than being located in the middle of the block. This argument has no merit, since Section 2.f of our Special Use District specifically calls for the preservation of street-facing rear yards - in this case through-lots. I am requesting that you please reject these applications and direct the project sponsor to add units to the existing structure as his application suggests. The addition of housing stock can be made through an attachment and remodeling of the current structure. A second structure violates the existing laws and rules of the neighborhood. All of those rules and laws and zoning regulations should be followed, rather than exempted because of a sponsor claims that he or she or it will bring new housing and new people to the neighborhood. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Maryann Dresner Maryann Dresner Attorney at Law 1390 Market, Suite 818 San Francisco, Ca 94102 [phone removed] Facsimile [phone removed]show more Comment Letter for 2019-013808CUAVAR
Mr. Ionin: Attached please find our letter in opposition to the proposed devleopment at 4300 17th Street. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you. Casey & Greg Rando
Commission Hearing Nov 19, 2020: Item # 17a (2019-013808CUA (4300 17th Street)) .........OPPOSE Dear Commission President Koppell, Commissioners Moore, Chan, Diamond, Fund, Imperial and Tanner After spending a fair amount of time attempting to understand this proposal, I am writing to express my serious concern about a proposal based, apparently, on a premise that planning, and established zoning standards, does not matter and is to be ignored. I also write to express my disappointment with the… OPPOSE Dear Commission President Koppell, Commissioners Moore, Chan, Diamond, Fund, Imperial and Tanner After spending a fair amount of time attempting to understand this proposal, I am writing to express my serious concern about a proposal based, apparently, on a premise that planning, and established zoning standards, does not matter and is to be ignored. I also write to express my disappointment with the effort by advocates to present a flaunting of virtually all zoning rules as necessary to accomplish their asserted goal. As staff has logically made clear, achievement of what is presented as the primary goal of the project can be accomplished within the existing code provisions. For this reason, while its proximity may have brought the proposed project more readily to my attention, if a similar attempt--- to seemingly declare the virtual irrelevancy of existing zoning regulations, of the SF Planning Department, and of the planning function itself---- were asserted anywhere in the city, I would be equally troubled. I have engaged and worked with the Planning Department a good deal over many years. I understand the difficulty of its responsibility to interpret and apply complex codes. I understand and appreciate the difficulty of this Commission, and those before it, to render, often difficult, judgements week after week. I have sometimes disagreed with Department staff and with the decisions of prior Commissions, but never with the need and value of transparent and consistent planning standards, based upon common sense and genuine concern for long term implications. We look to you to uphold a reasoned, sound and deliberative planning process and adopt the staff recommendation. Mark Rysershow more 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR - opposeDear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District. I salute the project sponsor's desire to add housing, but I oppose the creation of a second structure … Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District. I salute the project sponsor's desire to add housing, but I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back. The current proposal eliminates all open space, it has a disproportionate impact on its neighbors and it sets a bad precedent in our neighborhood. In fact, this proposal exemplifies why our community has created a Special Use District. The application also has a few flaws: It confuses rooftops with open space, when in fact all open space would be removed. Moreover the application suggests that the rear yard should be exempt from setback requirements, because it faces the street rather than being located in the middle of the block. This argument has no merit, since Section 2.f of our Special Use District specifically calls for the preservation of street-facing rear yards - in this case through-lots. I respectfully ask that you please reject these applications and direct the project sponsor to add units to the existing structure as his application suggests. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards, Rick Walsh 18 Ord Streetshow more Comment for Planning Commission Hearing 2019-013808CUA/VAR
Hello, Attached, please find my comment stating opposition to the proposed plans for 4300 17th Street (records #2019-013808CUA and #2019-013808VAR) scheduled to be heard by the San Francisco Planning commission on November 19, 2020. Thank you. Eric Murphy
4300 17th St Development, CUV 2019-013808CUAVARDear Planning Commission, I am writing to oppose approval of the application for Conditional Use and Variance for the project at 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR), which you are scheduled to hear on November 19. A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District. I respectfully request that you deny … Dear Planning Commission, I am writing to oppose approval of the application for Conditional Use and Variance for the project at 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR), which you are scheduled to hear on November 19. A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District. I respectfully request that you deny the application as submitted. The impact to the neighborhood far outweighs the value of a couple of affordable units. The elimination of unimproved space on the lot has obvious negative environmental effects such as less water recharge, and impeding light and airflow to the adjacent properties. The height and density of the proposed project set a bad precedent in our neighborhood by raising the rooflines on the block and facilitating new megamansions which will not be required to provide affordable housing. The addition of a second unit violates the requirements of the Corona Heights Special Use District, and is unnecessary to add affordable units. The essence of this project is to brick over all unimproved space on the lot to create more luxury dwellings. The effect would be to usher in more high-end megadevelopments--the opposite of what we need to make housing affordable in Corona Heights and in the City. The minimal proposed affordable housing in this application is a fig leaf. Please don't fall for this ruse! Thank you for your attention, Carol Clements 52 Ord Streetshow more For 11/19/2020 Hearing: Opposing 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR)Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required to proceed with large developments that are out of step with our neighborhood. I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back. The current proposal eliminates all open space, it has a disproportionate impact on its nei… Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required to proceed with large developments that are out of step with our neighborhood. I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back. The current proposal eliminates all open space, it has a disproportionate impact on its neighbors and it sets a bad precedent in our neighborhood. In fact, this proposal exemplifies why our community has created a Special Use District. I respectfully ask that you please reject these applications and direct the project sponsor to add units to the existing structure as his application suggests. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards, Robert Mould Homeowner 71 Ord Streetshow more 1/19/20 Hearing; Record No. 2019-0138088CUAVR; 4300 17th St.
Dear Mr. Secretary, Kindly find attached a Supplemental Memorandum in Opposition to this Project filed on behalf of Corbett Heights Neighbors, a neighborhood association, for the public record in advance of the hearing this Thursday, November 19, 2020. Sincerely, Paul Allen Secretary, Corbett Heights Neighbors
4300 17th streetRe: 2019-013808 Dear Mr. Horn, * Do Not split the lot! The proposed lot split Variance exceeds the scope allowed under CoronaHeights Special Use District. Density is key to the character of this neighborhood. DO NOT SPIT THE LOT! * The proposed project provides inadequate open space. Open space and greenery is essential to the desirability of this neighborhood. Rooftops are not open space! Open space is earth, dir… Re: 2019-013808 Dear Mr. Horn, * Do Not split the lot! The proposed lot split Variance exceeds the scope allowed under CoronaHeights Special Use District. Density is key to the character of this neighborhood. DO NOT SPIT THE LOT! * The proposed project provides inadequate open space. Open space and greenery is essential to the desirability of this neighborhood. Rooftops are not open space! Open space is earth, dirt, gardens, plants, trees. That is why we live here. * We need more housing, but "affordable" apartments are a trivial part of this project. Competent architects can increase housing without crushing the neighborhood. Additional housing (ADUs) can be built without Variance. I respectfully ask the Commission to deny this Variance. JUST SAY NO! Charles Leoni 263A States Street San Francisco, California 94114 T: [phone removed] C: [phone removed]show more Opposition to 4300 17th Street, 2019-013808CUAVARDear Planning Commission, Applications for Conditional Use and Variance for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR) are scheduled for Thursday November 19. The project would require a lot split to enable the construction of a 5,000+ square foot building in what is now the side yard. We believe that such construction would negatively impact the neighbors and would set a dangerous precedent in our neighborhood. We … Dear Planning Commission, Applications for Conditional Use and Variance for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR) are scheduled for Thursday November 19. The project would require a lot split to enable the construction of a 5,000+ square foot building in what is now the side yard. We believe that such construction would negatively impact the neighbors and would set a dangerous precedent in our neighborhood. We also believe that the existing building could be adapted to create the two accessory dwelling units that the project proposes without the need for the lot split and the loss of all open space on this corner lot. We respectfully ask you to reject these applications and instead direct the project sponsor to add units to the existing building as suggested in his application. Many thanks, Grace Gellerman and Martin Burbidge 1 Vulcan Stairwayshow more RE : November 19 Hearing Record No. 2019-013808CUAVAR; 4300 17th St.Hi -- I am writing as a San Francisco resident and homeowner for the last 15+ years in strong opposition to the proposed development referenced above at 4300 17th St. Echoing concerns of our neighbors and the neighborhood association, we take strong issue with these major points in the development: <U+2022> Wholesale (100%) destruction of the side yard vs 45% <U+2022> Lack of set backs <U+2022&g… Hi -- I am writing as a San Francisco resident and homeowner for the last 15+ years in strong opposition to the proposed development referenced above at 4300 17th St. Echoing concerns of our neighbors and the neighborhood association, we take strong issue with these major points in the development: <U+2022> Wholesale (100%) destruction of the side yard vs 45% <U+2022> Lack of set backs <U+2022> Lack of the environmental review <U+2022> Lack of any meaningful input from the community. The only exception was a pre-application meeting which brought 100% rejection <U+2022> The exaggerated impact of <U+201C>affordable<U+201D> units vs market-rate units: o Two ADU units equal 18% of the square footage o Four market-rate units total 82% of total square footage <U+2022> The addition of two garages <U+2022> A two-level luxury penthouse that totals 2,122 square feet. This penthouse is almost twice the size of the ADU square footage <U+2022> In the developer package, he indicates a desire to move into the new structure <U+2022> These percentages prove that profit (and personal residence) is the driving factor not ADUs. <U+2022> The ADUs in question could be added to the existing structure <U+2022> Some neighbors have actually indicated that they would support a modest <U+201C>bulge<U+201D> into the backyard to facilitate these units. As homeowners and longtime SF residents, we believe that the Planning Commission should deny this request and rule that the proposal should not be reconsidered for at least a year. Respectfully yours, Brett Browman & Thomas Keller 4532 17th St San Francisco, CA 94114show more For 11/19/2020 Hearing: Opposing 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR)Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). The subject property is located in the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District and it requires a Conditional Use Authorization because of its excessive size. I salute the project sponsor's desire to add housing, but I oppose the creation of a second stru… Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). The subject property is located in the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District and it requires a Conditional Use Authorization because of its excessive size. I salute the project sponsor's desire to add housing, but I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back. The current proposal virtually eliminates ALL open space, it has a disproportionate impact on its neighbors and it sets a bad precedent in our neighborhood. In fact, this proposal exemplifies why our community has actually created a Special Use District. The application argues that the rear yard is exempt from setback requirements, because it faces the street rather than being located in the middle of the block. This argument has no merit, since our Special Use District also intends to preserve street-facing rear yards by calling out through lots in Section 2f. I respectfully ask that you please reject these applications and direct the project sponsor to add units to the existing structure as his application suggests. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Best regards, Sonja Renner 30 Ord Streetshow more Statement in Opposition to Rec.# 2019-013808CUAVAR 4300 17th Street
Note to the Commission Secretary: Please do NOT make public my personal contact information. Thank you.To the Members of the Planning Commission, I respectfully request that the Commission deny the Conditional use Authorization for the 4300 17th Street<x-apple- data-detectors://0> Project. The Planning Department executive summary on this matter clearly and succinctly explains many valid reasons why the variances and conditional use authorization should be disapproved. I am writing today specifically to cal… To the Members of the Planning Commission, I respectfully request that the Commission deny the Conditional use Authorization for the 4300 17th Street<x-apple- data-detectors://0> Project. The Planning Department executive summary on this matter clearly and succinctly explains many valid reasons why the variances and conditional use authorization should be disapproved. I am writing today specifically to call into question the Project Sponsor<U+2019>s ancillary claim that a primary motivation for this project is to create mixed-affordable housing in the neighborhood. My partner Eric Murphy owns one of the condominium units directly adjacent to the proposed expansion site, and thus I attended Mr. Pluta<U+2019>s first neighborhood open forum meeting in August 2019. At no point during this initial meeting, or in subsequent contacts which Mr. Pluta initiated with neighboring residents, did Mr. Pluta mention that his primary goal is to rectify centruries-old housing inequities, as his misleading project website attests. To the contrary, Mr. Pluta<U+2019>s rationale in August 2019 can be summed up as alternating between: 1) The only way he can afford to build his two-story penthouse on this site is to have multiple revenue-generating rental units, and 2) He feels badly that the neighborhood will be negatively impacted, but he has the right to build as he wishes on his property. As the neighborhood consensus against this project intensified, Mr. Pluta again never communicated that, as his website states in its very first sentence, <U+201C>The purpose of this project is to build small scale, infill mixed-affordable housing.<U+201D> It was only AFTER it became clear that both the Planning Department and the neighborhood associations were adamantly against this project that Mr. Pluta chose to make affordable housing and social equity the <U+201C>purpose of this project,<U+201D> while omitting the fact that the single largest dwelling unit in the project is his personal penthouse residence and private outdoor terrace. The City and County of San Francisco has long struggled to address housing inequities, and solving this intransigent issue is a noble goal. I ask the members of the commission to carefully scrutinize the Project Sponsor<U+2019>s claim that this is the primary purpose of his project, and to ascertain if this is simply another convenient talking point through which he seeks to generate support. Affordable housing is a serious and critical issue in our city; it should not and cannot be used as a tool to enable individuals seeking to build multi-million dollar personal residences to circumvent important public planning regulations. Thank you in advance for your thoughtful deliberations on this matter. Sincerely, Timothy Wushow more For 11/19/2020 Hearing: Opposing 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR)Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District (SUD). I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back. The current proposal eliminates all open spa… Dear Planning Commission, On November 19 you will be hearing Conditional Use and Variance applications for 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUAVAR). A Conditional Use Authorization is required because the proposal exceeds the scope that is permitted under the Corona Heights Large Residence Special Use District (SUD). I oppose the creation of a second structure in the back. The current proposal eliminates all open space, it has a disproportionate impact on its neighbors and it sets a bad precedent in our neighborhood. In fact, this proposal exemplifies why our community has created a Special Use District. The application also has a few flaws: This proposal eliminates open space which is clearly mandated in the SUD. Moreover the application suggests that the rear yard should be exempt from setback requirements, because it faces the street rather than being located in the middle of the block. This argument has no merit, since Section 2.f of our Special Use District specifically calls for the preservation of street-facing rear yards - in this case through-lots. I respectfully ask that you please reject these applications and direct the project sponsor to add units to the existing structure as his application suggests. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Suzy Drell 263 States Streetshow more Sarah Hoffman · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Support
William Holtzman · spoken · 2020-11-19 · oppose
Organized opposition
Paul Allen · spoken · 2020-11-19 · oppose
Organized opposition
Steven Buss · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Support
Mike Chen · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Support
Nico Nagel · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Support
Sara Ogilvie · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Support
Greg Randall · spoken · 2020-11-19 · oppose
Acting not in good faith
Eric Murphy · spoken · 2020-11-19 · oppose
Impacts
Robert Fruchtman · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Great location
Scott Feeney · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Approve the project
Laura Foote · spoken · 2020-11-19 · support
Affordable units
Maria Hutchins · spoken · 2020-11-19 · oppose
Misconceptions
2021-11-18 · 12 comments · 1 / 10
Maryann Dressner · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Organized opposition
Scott Pluta · spoken · 2021-11-18 · support
Project sponsor
Kirsten Jensen · spoken · 2021-11-18 · neutral
City attorney
Eva Miller · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Oppose
Mariah Huchens · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Oppose
Tim Woo · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Oppose
Roz Fazly · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Oppose
Eric Murphy · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Oppose
Ozzie Rohm · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Mass and scale still a menace to the neighbors
Paul Allen · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Organized opposition
Bill Holtzman · spoken · 2021-11-18 · oppose
Organized opposition
RE: 4300 17th Street (2019-013808CUA/VAR)Mr. Horn: Several weeks ago, I supported the this development having found an interesting story in the Chronicle. It turns out, the story was more cheerleading than fact. I followed the story on Heather Knight<U+2019>s twitter account only to discover that the developer has a history of discrimination against women and people of color. So much for this <U+201C>progressive<U+201D> credenti… Mr. Horn: Several weeks ago, I supported the this development having found an interesting story in the Chronicle. It turns out, the story was more cheerleading than fact. I followed the story on Heather Knight<U+2019>s twitter account only to discover that the developer has a history of discrimination against women and people of color. So much for this <U+201C>progressive<U+201D> credentials.These are just a few of many stories that I found after a simple Google search: House Committee hearing minutes: "Allegations of Discrimination and Retaliation within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau" (4/2/2014) Daily Caller: "Obama Consumer Official Leaves Amid Charges He Helped Create Toxic Workplace<U+2019>" (6/4/2015) Replies to Heather Knight's tweets: "For someone who ran a department in DC dubbed 'The Plantation' to then put on a racial justice hat is hypocrisy plain and simple" (11/4/2021) I previously supported this project but no longer want to be associated with the developer. Please accept this message as a retraction of my support. Thanks for your understanding. Sincerely, Paul Addisshow more