The city's Planning Department has proposed a Market/Octavia plan to guide growth in a variety of neighborhoods, including Duboce Triangle.

We feel our neighborhood is already vibrant and there is no compelling need to "fix" it. We are open to working with the city for some changes, as long as they help the quality of life. We also propose an ongoing system of checks and balances, as well as periodic, public reviews to make sure the plan remains effective.

The Duboce Triangle Board has a variety of concerns, listed below. For more details, go to dtna.org. [you are there]

General

There's a distrust of large planning efforts touted as "good planning" at the time, but end up having undesirable consequences with little or no accountability. While the Market/Octavia plan describes Duboce Triangle as a model neighborhood, it proposes changes that aren't based on the same detailed information as it has for other neighborhoods. Some of the proposed changes haven't been sufficiently studied, while others could hurt the quality of life.

Housing

We believe the plan calls for Duboce Triangle to absorb too much housing in relationship to other neighborhoods. Existing zoning allows for organic growth, and we're prepared for more housing within the existing height and density limits. We don't support converting residential garages into housing units, as the plan proposes.

Height limits

The plan's proposal to increase allowable building heights along Market Street will hurt adjacent residential properties and others nearby. We propose lower heights for the back sides of Market Street lots to mitigate abrupt architectural changes and shadows. Increasing the height limits along Market Street by 5 feet to accommodate a first floor retail space height of 15 feet is reasonable. We propose keeping the existing height limit for interior blocks.

Historic/cultural survey

The city needs to conduct surveys about the historical and cultural resources of Duboce Triangle and other neighborhoods before changing zoning or making long-range plans. Duboce Triangle takes historic preservation very seriously, and any plans should accommodate those concerns.

Infrastructure improvements:

The Market/Octavia plan includes projections for growth which, if valid, justify infrastructure improvements. The neighborhood seeks specific commitments and prioritization to improve MUNI service and facilities, streets, sidewalks, streetlights, landscaping, maintenance of open spaces and undergrounding utilities. One of the neighborhood's highest priorities is to improve safety at the intersection of Market, Noe and 16th streets.

Safeway site

We support using the Safeway site more effectively while preserving and responding sensitively to the views of Buena Vista Park, the U.S. Mint and St. Francis Lutheran Church. Site planning should include the neighborhoods, the Planning Department and Safeway.

Parking

We propose keeping the ratio of one car for every two households, with half of a space for every household in residential zoned areas. Any deviation should require a conditional use permit. Parking should not exceed one space per unit. We also support no minimum parking requirement for residential development in commercial areas. Creating off-street parking in historic buildings should meet Secretary of Interior standards.

Density

We support rezoning parts of the neighborhood east of Church Street, but development must follow the design guidelines protecting the views of Buena Vista Park, the U.S. Mint and St. Francis Lutheran Church. Current residential zoning densities should be maintained west of Church Street.