Eastern Neighborhoods

From NPH: TALC Seeks Input for New Project

Tomorrow!

TALC Seeks Input for New Project

TALC Focus Group:
August 7,2008
9:30-11:30 am
NPH Conference Room
369 Pine St. Suite 310
San Francisco, CA 94104

In place of our August legislative issues committee NPH will be loaning out our conference room to the Transportation and Land Use Coalition (TALC). They would like the chance to engage with those in the development community for a new project they are working on. To R.S.V.P. please contact Megan Kirkeby, Policy Associate, at megan@nonprofithousing.org. For more information please read on:

TALC is developing a traffic reduction certification program called "Cool Neighbors." Cool Neighbors will evaluate and endorse new residential and mixed use developments employing innovative parking and transportation demand management strategies. These techniques reduce driving and vehicle ownership, which in turn will help California meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals and encourage smart urban development.

TALC is in the early stages of program development and is interested in getting input from members of the development community so that we can create the most effective program possible. Click on the link below to find the session's agenda, a one-page description of the Cool Neighbors program, the questions they would like to discuss, and a list of some of the transportation demand management strategies that they are considering.

Focus Group Packet

Coffee, pastries and fruit will be provided. If you have specific questions about "Cool Neighbors" please contact Sophie Martin, Land Use Policy Researcher, TALC, sophie@transcoalition.org, 510-740-3150 x322

Eastern Neighorhoods Plan - Planning Commission to Vote THIS WEEK!

The San Francisco Planning Department began the long-anticipated approvals process for the Eastern Neighborhoods Program on May 15th. This Thursday, August 7th, marks an important milestone in this process. The Planning Commission will be voting on the certification of the EIR and the approval of the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan.

Please lend your support by speaking and/or writing emails on behalf of the SFHAC for this important meeting. Contact Meredyth if you are available to speak at Thursday's hearing or write emails to the Commissioners. Talking points can be provided.

WHAT: Planning Commission Hearing - Vote to Certify the EIR and Approve the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan (ENP)
WHEN: Thursday, August 7th @ 1:30 pm
Hearing schedules are subject to change; to get the most up-to-date schedule, please check the web or call the recorded message at (415) 558-6422.
WHERE: Room 400 of City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place.

For a list of the SFHAC's responses to the Eastern Neighborhoods Planning Process over the past year, visit our Positions page.

Prop 1C Funding Available for Brownfield Cleanups

We received the following announcement from our friends at SCS Engineers. If you're not aware, California Prop 1C, the recently passed housing initiative, contains a provision that makes funding available for brownfield remediation for infill development.

The California Pollution Control Financing Authority (CPCFA), a department of the State Treasury, has awarded two contracts for administration of its Statewide Strategic Partner program for Prop 1C funds for brownfield infill developments in California. One of the teams awarded a two-year contract is made up of the National Brownfield Association's California Chapter and SCS Engineers, an international environmental consultancy with offices nationwide. This important program will make approximately $55 million available to developers and communities trying to overcome the obstacles of Brownfields in their communities by accessing low interest loans and grants to pay for cleanup of contaminated properties slated for redevelopment. The loans and grants are in the amount of $50,000 to $5,000,000 and are targeted for housing, infill development brownfield projects in California’s economically distressed regions (defined by regulations). Affordable housing developers and infill high density urban developers with challenging contaminated properties should be aware of this program and the benefits it can bring to their brownfield or contaminated site projects. A press release on this important program is forthcoming.

Welcome New SFHAC Members!

We're pleased to welcome three new member organizations to our growing community of housing activists:

COX, CASTLE & NICHOLSON LLP is a fifty-year-old law firm that represents and assist businesses, institutions, and individuals in all aspects of the real estate, finance, and construction industries. With offices in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Francisco, it practices in all areas of real estate and provides a full array of legal services typically required by developers, lenders, investors, landlords, tenants and others who are involved in real estate.

THE PRADO GROUP is a privately held real estate development and investment management company headquartered in San Francisco, California. It develops and invests in residential, retail and mixed-use properties with a primary focus on in-fill locations within the greater San Francisco Bay Area. It has numerous residential projects both in San Francisco and around the Bay Area.

PILLSBURY WINTRHOP SHAW PITTMAN LLP is a large national law firm that represents clients in a diverse array of real estate matters encompassing acquisition, development, construction, financing (including conventional and structured and public finance) real estate capital, leasing, public private partnerships and military housing, affordable housing, land use, zoning, environmental and historic preservation. Several projects Pillsbury worked on are familiar to SFHAC.

Click here for a complete list of SFHAC members.

Eastern Neighborhoods Approval Process - Past Hearings

The San Francisco Planning Department has begun the long-anticipated approvals process for the Eastern Neighborhoods Program. Click here for a list of past hearings at the Planning Commission and Land Use Committee. The link includes video of the meetings as well as Planning Department presentations and memos delivered at each.

SFHAC Responds to April 2008 Eastern Neighborhoods Initiation Package

Click here to read SFHAC's response to the Planning Department's April 2008 Initiation Package for the Eastern Neighborhoods Program. The 10-page pdf includes a cover letter outlining general comments and concerns and a detailed matrix with suggested amendments to the Planning Code.

Eastern Neighborhoods - How Can You Help?

The SFHAC has reserved a time slot during Public Comment at the Planning Commission hearing on Thursday, June 5th. As noted above, Places to Live & Public Benefits is the topic that will be discussed at this particular hearing. PLEASE LEND YOUR SUPPORT AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD by speaking and/or writing letters/emails on behalf of the SFHAC for this important meeting. The same topic will be discussed at the June 9th Board of Supervisors Land Use Committee. Please contact Meredyth (meredyth@sfhac.org) if you are available and interested in getting involved for these two important meetings! Stay tuned for more information about how you can help.

2008 SFHAC Housing Hero Award Luncheon

Please mark your calendars and join us for the 6th Annual Housing Hero Award Luncheon on Wednesday, July 16th to honor this year's housing heroes: David Baker and Daniel Solomon.

David Baker, FAIA, has been practicing architecture for nearly 30 years. Over the course of his career, he has received numerous awards, and in 1996 was selected as a fellow of the American Institute of Architects. David founded San Francisco-based David Baker + Partners, Architects in 1982 and now leads this firm known for combining social concern with a signature design character. Daniel Solomon, FAIA, is the founder of Solomon E.T.C. and the principal author of its many award-winning projects. Residential architecture and the interaction between housing and urban design have been the main focus of his work. He is a co-founder of the Congress for the New Urbanism and author of many articles and books. In 2004, Dan won the Maybeck Award, the AIA California Chapter's honor for lifetime achievement.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for this important event. Click here for more information on the benefits of sponsoring this event and supporting the work of the SFHAC. Contact tim@sfhac.org for more information.

Eastern Neighborhoods Policy Proposals for Fees and Affordablility Requirements

On March 6th, the Planning Department held a meeting to review staff's policy proposals for proposed fees and affordability requirements for the Eastern Neighborhoods. Staff received significant feedback on its proposals for the attendees, and has incorporated much of that feedback into a revised proposal which can be found in the Eastern Neighborhoods Initiation Package.

Click here for more information on the feedback received at that meeting, and the changes to the policy proposal made in response to that feedback.

MUNI Transit Effectiveness Project (TEP)

In April and May, the TEP will share preliminary proposals for Muni service changes and reliability improvements at a series of 11 community meetings throughout San Francisco. With your help, a revitalized Muni system will not only benefit current transit customers, but will improve mobility for everyone who lives, works in or visits San Francisco. Interpretation in Cantonese and Spanish will be provided, and there will be a Fast Pass raffle at each meeting. Click here for detailed information about these 11 community meetings. Click here for a list of all proposals.