I arrived a little late to last weeks San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Public Comment was already in process. Of the five speakers I heard, by far the most interesting was the one who indicated that he was in the process of nominating the Civic Center to the UNESCO World Heritage List. After Public Comment, Tina Tam relayed the status of the Landmarks Work Program. She mentioned ten resources from the Program but there are actually eighteen. Below is what I believe to be the correct Work Program List:
2005-2006
Doggie Diner Sign (Landmarked)
Del Monte Warehouse (?)
Musicians Union Hall (The owner's were not in favor of nomination)
Doolan/Larsen Residence (Landmarked)
Emanu-El Religious School (DPR 523 forms are 90% finished)
Bath House at Fleishhacker Pool (?)
Mother's Building (?)
Transit Shelters (25% done)
Arab Cultural Center (?)
Sailor's Union of the Pacific (?)
Forest Hill Clubhouse (?)
2006-2007
Van Ness Light Standards (10%)
Mona's Club (10%)
Sunshine School (Context Statement written)
Park MErced (EIR in process)
Tallant Flats (10%)
49-Mile Scenic Drive Signs (10%)
Mission National BAnk (25%)
While I understand the budgetary limitations for continuing the Work Program, I believe that it did serve an important purpose. In theory, it allows the public to express what is important to them and to, in turn, hear the priorites of the Commission. I suggest that the Work Program be changed into a "Wish List". No money needs to be dedicated to it from the Planning Department but when a student or volunteer is looking for a project they can be directed to a pertinent list of resources that need analyzing.
Next there was a discussion of the minutes. Secretary Avery indicated that she could not write in depth minutes because of lack of money and staff time. It was suggested that the minutes actually be shortened rather than lengthened.
All six items on the Consent Calender were pulled for full hearing. The first two items were located in the Eastern Neighborhoods Survey Area and were heard as part of the Interim Review Process. Item 5 was approved and Item 6 continued. Item 7 was a Certificate of Appropriateness for new signage on the Hotaling Annex-East Building, Landmark #13 which was approved with conditions. Followed by Item 8, a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new storefront and addition in Jackson Square Historic District; also approved. The Orpheum Theater, Landmark #94 received an approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new door. The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium however, looked as though it would not get a majority vote for their Certificate of Appropriateness for new signage and the vote was continued until more Commission members could be present. (Commissioners Chase, Buckley and Matsuda were not present at the meeting).
A presentation followed about the Historic Resource Surveys currently in process by the Department, during which I left the meeting.
