What's Happening in the Richmond District
What's Happening in the Richmond District
Traffic, parking and transit
DPW Sewer Main Replacement & Street Repaving, California Street, Park Presidio Blvd. to Arguello Blvd.
Work began on Friday, 5/30 and will continue for approximately 6 months. Work will be done in sections: California Street - 12th Ave. to 11th Ave.; California St. - 8th Ave. to 7th Ave.; California St. - 6th Ave. to Arguello Blvd.; 3rd Ave. - Lake St. to California St.
Street parking on both sides of the street will be prohibited during construction work hours. "No Parking" signs will be posted at least 3 days in advance and will state exact work hours.
Crews are allowed to work: California St. - 9am-3pm, Monday/Friday; 9am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday; 3rd Ave., 7am-6pm, Monday/Friday, 9am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday.
For information call Alex Murillo, 415-437-7009, alex.m.murillo@sfdpw.org
Geary Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Plan
PAR’s Position Paper on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Study for the Geary Corridor is on our website. The Plan is available on the San Francisco County Transit Authority (SFCTA) website at www.sfcta.org or www.GearyBRT.org
The Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is being prepared and should be released in 2008-9. For information contact Zabe Bent, Project Manager, 522-4830 or GearyBRT@sfcta.org
PAR Committee Chair VP Michele Stratton, 387-8415 or mdstratton@mindspring.com
19th Avenue/Park Presidio Boulevard Transportation Improvement Plan
Slow down! State Senator Leland Yee’s legislation (Senate Bill 1419) to lower the speed limit and double the fines along this route will go into effect on January 1, 2009. The corridor of 19th Avenue (Highway 1) between Junipero Serra Boulevard and Lake Street will be designated a Safety Enhancement-Double Fine Zone for a period of five years. The bill also allows for a double fine zone on another dangerous San Francisco corridor – US Route 101, specifically Van Ness Avenue at Golden Gate Avenue to Lombard Street at Lyon Street.
Caltrans and the SF County Transportation Authority (SFCTA) will make traffic improvements from Lake Street south to Junipero Serra Boulevard along Park Presidio Boulevard and 19th Avenue in phases continuing through 2010. Improvements include signal standard replacement, countdown signals, curb ramps and ADA compliance, crosswalk striping, safety lighting, some bus-stop bulbouts, pedestrian safety improvements, and landscaping.
For information, contact Ian Moore, Project Manager, 522-4829 or ian_moore@sfcta.org
The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) has agreed to station officers along 19th Avenue & Park Presidio Boulevard for targeted enforcement and set up a speed radar trailer.
Highway One/Park Presidio
After 8 years PAR may have convinced Caltrans to install traffic-calming devices in the southbound lanes between the MacArthur Tunnel and Lake Street. We were assured that this will take place prior to February, 2008 but Caltrans has again failed to keep their word.
Balboa Streetscape Improvements
DPW has $1M from the Great Streets Capitol Improvement Initiative for streetscape improvements on Balboa Street from 34th to 39th. Design should be finished by December, 2008. Construction should begin in Spring 2009.
For information contact Kris Opbroek, DPW, 558-4045 or kris_opbroek@ci.sf.ca.us
25th Avenue Improvements
The re-striping of 25th Avenue from Fulton Street to California Street has begun on schedule and should be finished by mid-May. This will include removal of Muni bus stops at Cabrillo and Anza Streets. For information contact Beth Lewis at 221-2072 or balewis@cwnet.com
Mid-Richmond Traffic Calming Program
Includes the area between Lake and Park Presidio and between Funston and 25th Avenue. For information and to receive the newsletter check www.livablestreets.org or call 554-2398.
Parks and Recreation
http://www.parks.sfgov.org/site/recpark_index.asp
Cabrillo Playground
A neighborhood group is working on immediate problems and longer term renovation. Funding was secured following passage of the Proposition A Parks Bond in the February 5, 2008 election. Contact Joseph Devi, 831-1221 or drdefisf@gmail.com for information on meetings and neighborhood work days.
Lincoln Park Playground
PAR is working with Friends of Lincoln Park, the Recreation & Park Dept. and DPW on a modified plan for the Playground. An initial $200,000 from an agreement with Albertson’s was received. In July 2008 Albertson's said it will deliver an additional $300,000. Designs are being finalized, with a two-year time-line envisioned. To become involved, contact Anna Yatroussis, 386-4965, annapy@yahoo.com
Mt. Lake
For information on Friends of Mt. Lake Park check their website at www.fmlp.org
Work on Mt. Lake itself is still on hold pending analysis of the toxins and negotiations with Caltrans. Remediation work will not take place before 2013. Supervisor Alioto-Pier recently held a hearing and exhorted Caltrans to move ahead with negotiations.
Park Presidio Boulevard
To assist in beautifying and restoring Park Presidio Boulevard, contact Carol Brost, Park Presidio Neighbors, 768 Funston Avenue, 668-2810 or ctunltd@earthlink.net
Gardening workdays are the 4th Saturday of each month. Contact Patty Phleger, Park Presidio Boulevard Neighbors, 690 Funston Avenue, 387-4416. To learn more see the Park Presidio Neighbors website www.ppnsf.org or the Boulevard Neighbors Yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BoulevardNeighbors/
Golden Gate Park California Academy of Sciences
The Academy reopened on September 27, 2008.
Murphy (South) Windmill
The 1906 structure is in the process of an $1.8M reconstruction. The upper section, gears, blades, etc. were rebuilt in Holland. Rebuilding the tower is on hold pending funds. For information contact Dan Mauer, Rec and Park, 581-2542.
Golden Gate Park Stables
The Golden Gate Park Stables closed in 2001. A draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was issued in August 2007. The SF Parks Trust is raising money following passage of the Proposition on the November 2007 ballot. For information contact or Jan Banfield, SF Parks Trust, 740-5105, jay@sfpt.org
Libraries
Anza Branch Library
550 37th Avenue
Design plans for renovation of the Anza Branch are still being refined. The branch may close in June 2009, reopening sometime in 2011. For information contact the Chief of Branches, 557-4353, or Bond Program Manager, 557-4354.
To get involved, contact Marian Chatfield-Taylor, Friends of the Library, 437-4859, marian.ctaylor@friendssfpl.org
Richmond Branch Library
351 9th Avenue
The branch is closed for renovation. Renovation is on schedule. The library should reopen in Spring/Summer 2009.
For information on temporary services check www.sfpl.org or call 557-4353.
Fundraising is ongoing for non-capital improvements at both the Richmond and Anza Branches; contact Marian Chatfield-Taylor, Friends of the Library, 437-4859, marian.ctaylor@friendssfpl.org
Richmond Branch Library Children’s Playground
Construction is on schedule and the library should reopen in April, 2008.
PAR is working with neighbors, parents, and the Library staff on the 10th Avenue Children’s Play Area. A Tile Wall project and other fundraising efforts are in progress, together with designs for the play structure(s). For involvement and information contact Camille She, 415-831-7000 or cshe@stanfordalumni.org
Federal Institutions in the Richmond
Presidio Trust /Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA ) and Federal Veterans’ Administration Medical Center (VAMC)
VA Medical Center
42nd Avenue & Clement Street
PAR and Friends of Lands End (FOLE) filed suit in April 2006 against the Department of Veterans Affairs for violation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). A settlement agreement has been filed and signed. PAR Chair is Gene Brodsky, 387-3691, sfsky1@pacbell.net
Public Health Service Hospital
The non-historic wings were scheduled to be removed starting about April/May 2008 with construction continuing through Summer/Fall 2010. There will be a total of about 166 rental units, including the Wyman Avenue homes. Through traffic on Battery Caulfield Rd, will be restricted.
The project documents are available at http://www.presidio.gov/trust/projects/phsh/ and in the Presidio Trust Library at 34 Graham Street in the Presidio. Please contact the Presidio Trust at (415) 561-4183 or phsh@presidiotrust.gov with any questions regarding the Public Health Service Hospital.
Doyle Drive
The Citizens Advisory Committee voted to support the Presidio Parkway Plan (also endorsed by PAR). The start of construction has been delayed due to financing questions. Some state funding has been assured. Engineering details and working drawings will take about 2 years. Work might start by 2011-2012. Details are available at www.doyledrive.org or contact Leroy Saage, SFCTA Project Manager, 415-522-4800. PAR Chair is Paul Epstein, 751-6657, paulsfo@gmail.com
GGNRA
The GGNRA is in the process of creating its General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for park management in the 21st century. The GGNRA Management Plan is under revision. Scoping for a Draft EIS started in Fall 2007 with distribution scheduled for 2008.
For details, call the information line (415-561-4965), email goga_gmp@nps.gov or go to http://www.nps.gov/goga/parkmgmt/planning.htm
GGNRA: Merrie Way Parking Lot - Land’s End Trails
New map, new parking, new trail features. The Merrie Way Parking Lot is scheduled to reopen in soon after Labor Day, 2008. The ground has been stabilized and the lot reconfigured into four landscaped parking pods with limited bus parking.
Help Restore the Trail. The Lands End stewardship program helps to restore the unique coastal habitat along the trail on Thursdays and Saturdays from 1-m-4pm. Meeting locations vary; call 415-385-3065 for information.
A new map of the Land's End trail system has been printed. You can pick up copies at the Richmond YMCA, 360 18th Avenue (between Geary & Clement), SF.
For information contact Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at www.parksconservancy.org or 415-561-3000.
GGNRA: Ocean Beach
The National Park Service (NPS) is proposing to extend the temporary dog regulations/restrictions at Ocean Beach and Crissy field until an overall dog management regulation is finalized, probably by late 2009.
Mayor Gavin Newsom’s staff and the GGNRA have formed a Task Force to work jointly on the Great Highway and Ocean Beach. Richmond and Sunset District residents will be involved in the planning.
Richmond District Projects
Coronet Theater Site
The Institute on Ageing (IOA) and Bridge Housing have demolished the former theater where "Star Wars" and cult-classic "Bladerunner" premiered. Construction began in April 2008 with completion about 24 months after. For information contact Don Lusty, Bridge Housing Project Manager, 321-3522.
Alexandria Theater
The theater, built in 1927, was sold in 2004. PAR is working with the San Francisco Neighborhood Theater Foundation, Western Neighborhood Project, Geary Boulevard Merchants’ Association, the Golden Gate Christian Church and the Richmond YMCA in conjunction with the new owner’s land-use attorney on development plans. The environmental assessment is being prepared.
Parcel 4 (Balboa & Great Highway)
This parcel at the base of Sutro Park is planted with native vegetation. Friends of Sutro Park and the Committee to Save Ocean Beach hold regular clean-up and planting days. For more information on this and other Ocean Beach matters, contact Tom Kuhn, 751-6925 or tom@tomkuhn.com
Kaiser Permanente French Campus (5th & Geary)
The oldest buildings – the Boiler Building and Engineers Building (Anza Street) date from before 1900. These buildings were “yellow tagged” in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and will be removed. The main hospital will be converted to out-patient clinics and offices. For information contact Randy Wittorp, 833-4955.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church/29th Avenue Apartments
The Church, damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, will be demolished. Two present Church buildings will be retained and a 19-unit apartment and services building for developmentally disabled adults will be built. Possible construction in mid-late 2008, occupancy by late 2009. Contact Shannon Dodge, 202-2140, ext 150 or sdodge@bhnc.org
Congregation Beth Sholom
The new building, an innovative modern design by award-winning architect Stanley Saitowitz, opened on May 23, 2008.
St. James Episcopal Church/California Street @ 9th Avenue
Demolition of the east building and the adjacent former residential building is planned starting in 2009. Construction should take about 12 months. A new Community Learning Center building will be erected with expanded programming to serve both the youth and senior communities as well as providing for neighborhood activities. For information contact Rev. Mary Moore Gains, 387-7774 or mmg@stjamessf.org
Albertson’s Market, 42nd & Clement Street
New market coming...soon? The market closed as part of a sale involving a group of markets. As of December, 2008, a food retailer, Fresh and Easy, a division of UK-based discount grocer Tesco, has tentatively agreed to take over a portion of the 37,000 square foot space, contingent upon finding other merchants to occupy the remainder of the space. Rumors that Trader Joe's or Whole Foods might take over are unfounded.
