Supervisor Eric Mar: Happy Summer, Richmond!

Richmond neighborhood commercial corridor revitalization proposal
In June, I introduced an ordinance to amend the SF Planning Code, proposing several changes for Geary Boulevard and Clement Street. The goals of the proposal are to improve the climate for neighborhood serving small businesses, assist property owners in renting out vacant spaces, provide more flexibility in the code to allow for a greater variety of uses, and to promote more attractive development in underutilized parcels. I made these proposals after listening to the input of folks like David Heller, president of the Greater Geary Boulevard Merchants' Association, and the folks at the Clement Street Merchants Association, who complain of an overly restrictive code dating back to the 1980s, increased traffic congestion along Geary, difficulties for small businesses dealing with escalating rents and the bureaucracy of the City, and the increase in the number of vacant storefronts.

The zoning on Geary currently bans new fast food restaurants from opening up; however, the definition of "fast food" currently in the code prevents many businesses from opening up that would be great additions to the neighborhood. For example, the code defines fast food as food that is paid for and served at the counter, that is served in wrappers, and that is served fast - so that a taqueria, or a roasted chicken takeout restaurant would fall under this definition. I am proposing that the zone be amended to more narrowly prohibit formula retail eating and drinking establishments instead, as that will allow more types of businesses to open up along Geary.

Other proposed changes in the legislation are to allow for a five foot increase in the heights allowed for buildings along Geary, from Scott Street to 28th Avenue, to make it consistent with other commercial corridors in San Francisco and to promote better and more attractive development. The proposal would also allow more flexibility of uses along the Clement Commercial Business District.

All these proposals will be heard by the SF Planning Commission at its regular meeting on July 14 before coming back to the SF Board of Supervisors for a vote. Please call my office for more information at 554-7412 or write me at eric.l.mar@sfgov.org.

Budget update
This month, the Board of Supervisors is reviewing the city's budget as presented by the mayor's office. My budget priorities are to preserve and protect funding for services for seniors and youth, parks and open space, after-school programs and services for the elderly and disabled. The budget will be finalized by the end of the month, before the board goes on recess. The last board meeting will be held on Aug. 2 and the board will not meet again until Sept. 6.

New to the neighborhood
With a huge outpouring of community residents, I visited the Outer Richmond's newest neighbor, our brand new grocery store - Fresh & Easy. Our new grocery store will also have a new neighbor - CVS, which is slated to open on July 10. In its agreement with the City, Fresh & Easy is committed to local hiring goals - specifically hiring folks who reside in the 94118 and 94121 zip codes. Additionally, Fresh & Easy shared the good will on grand opening day by donating $1,000 to the Richmond District Neighborhood Center.

In addition to the May opening of St Peter's Place, an affordable housing development for disabled adults, the Richmond this month welcomed the June grand opening of a new affordable housing development for seniors at the site of the old Coronet Theater, surrounding the beautiful new digs of the Institute on Aging. The new development consists of 150 affordable apartments for independent seniors. The aggregation of knowledgeable staff, service resources and senior citizens in a central location will enrich the community at large as well as the lives of those living in the facility's apartments. The easy access to health and other services allows residents to age in place and continue living independently.

I was also happy to attend the grand opening of the newly-refurbished Anza Branch Library, which opened back up to the public on June 18. Originally built in 1932, this WPA-era gem is now seismically safe and fully accessible and has been transformed into a state of the art library designed to serve the neighborhood for many more decades to come. The San Francisco Bureau of Architecture took great care to preserve and restore the historic features of the two-story building while bringing it into the 21st century in terms of seismic safety, energy conservation, accessibility to all users, and changes in library service.

Highlights of the renovation include an addition at the side and rear of the branch, with a new elevator and restrooms, revamped community meeting room, sizeable children's room, new teen area, expansive reading area, restored ceiling and woodwork, new landscaping, and substantiability improvements designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification or greater by the U.S. Green Building Council.

This was a team effort between the San Francisco Public Library staff and administrators, SF Department of Public Works' Division of Project Management, Bureau of Architecture and Bureau of Construction Management, Trico Construction, library commissioners, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, and members of the community, who raised funds and helped design the branch to suit their neighborhood's needs. Thanks to all for your efforts!

July Coffee Hour
My next coffee hour is scheduled for Thursday, July 21, at Javaholics, 449 Balboa St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues, at noon. If you need my attention before that, please feel free to contact my office at (415) 554-7410 or e-mail me at eric.l.mar@sfgov.org.

San Francisco Supervisor Eric Mar represents District 1.