PRC MIN 1999-10-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

í ! Park & Recreation Commission Minutes of October 27, 1999 Page 2 Ms. Davey reported she spoke to Mr. Buccato from the San Francisco Water Department (SFWD) about developing the land and he explained that the City would lease the land from SFWD and would pay the property taxes. Restrictions for developing the site include: no planting trees with a diameter of 3" or more; neighbors will not be able to access the property from their houses; and no water is provided on the site. Ms. Davey said that she has received pledges of money and materials for the proposed project and that she wants to beautify the land for pu bl ic use. Commissioner LaBerge felt it was a good idea and asked about the lease arrangements, payment of property taxes by the City, and the City's liability insurance coverage. Commissioner Truscelli agreed with the concept and spoke about neighborhood opposition to the establishment of a dog park on the Hetch Hetchy property near Fernside Street and Massachusetts Avenue several years ago. Superintendent Hover explained staff received two petitions in opposition to the proposed project and that he needs to speak to Finance Director Brian Ponty about the liability issue. He also noted that maintenance is an issue when we add more park sites and it would need to go to the Council to request add itional staffing. Ms. Davey felt there is a false sense of security of the neighbors; the land is already open and people can already go behind the homes. She felt the proposed park could address their concerns and make the area more attractive. Commissioner Slusser spoke about expanding the group's sphere of influence and to try to develop this project as more of a clean-up and not the development of a park. He suggested talking to neighbors who live next to other City parks to get their experience of living next to a park. He felt the group should communicate with neighbors who would be affected. Superintendent Hover suggested organizing a community clean-up of the area and perhaps getting a contractor involved. Ms. Davey felt the City could supplement the mowing of the proposed area in addition to natural plantings to enhance what is currently there. She felt the City's partnership on this project should be for the long term not just volunteers. Miriam Clifford, 2950 Briarfield Avenue, spoke in support of the project. The entire west side of her house is on the Hetchy Hetchy, she lives across from Westwood Park, and her children also play on the property. She is aware of the current problems with four wheel vehicles driving on the right of way and felt the enhancements to the property would help eliminate those vehicles. She has been in contact with the SFWD and they do not want to deal with these problems. She felt the proposal has lots of potential and is in support of it. Darlene Clement, 1575 Fernside Street, stated she circulated one of the petitions in opposition to the project. She felt that she and many people purchased their property because they wanted to privacy the easement affords. She spoke to many neighbors who expressed the following concerns: Security; many people do not currently have tall fences and would need to install them to insure their privacy; fences would eliminate people from looking out onto the easement; people would be jumping fences to get into houses. Privacy; solid fences would need to be installed by people for privacy. Peace and Quiet;