J-Town Concerned About High-Rise Plans
March 24, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO — Japantown residents and stakeholders grappling with a looming condo high-rise blocks away from the heart of Japantown aired out their uneasiness with the developer at a public meeting on Tuesday, March 11.
They were asked to weigh the benefits of affordable housing, nonprofit space and a garden — trade-offs between the proposed 300-unit building that would bring an influx of new residents and increased traffic.
“The more height we get, the more density we get, the more community benefits. What are you willing to live with to get those benefits,” said Linda Corso, a representative of The ADCO Group, which is developing the site.
ADCO is proposing a 38-story, elliptical-shaped glass building with five levels of underground parking. Market-rate condominiums would be built on top of the tennis courts and next door to a residence for seniors. The street that gently slopes downward to the Japantown malls would also undergo major reconstruction, including new condominiums by owner 3D Investments.
At the current height, the 1481 Post Street project would be the tallest building in the neighborhood, an issue of concern to neighborhood residents. “The height of your building will set the tone for the rest of Post Street going west,” said Sandy Mori, president of the Japantown Task Force, referring to proposals by 3D Investments. “Right now [3D Investments’] highest building is as tall as Hotel Kabuki, which is reasonable in my personal opinion.”
Corso indicated a willingness to modify the design of the building and reduce the height to move the project forward, perhaps due to public pressure. “We’re going to take all the input from tonight back to our design team and get back to you hopefully in a month or so,” Corso said.
The housing nonprofit that owns and operates the 26-story high-rise next door to the proposed ADCO project has hired a political consultant and sent out a mailing opposing the glass building. They received 600 responses by mail out of 7,000 pieces delivered.
“I think it’s significant that they said if they lower the height of the building, they would have to cut back on the public amenities they would provide,” said Ted Weber, head of the residents’ council of The Sequoias, a high-end senior living facility nearby.
Under the current proposal, ADCO would build 60 affordable units at a yet-to-be-determined location within a one-mile radius from the site. Reducing the height of the building would mean less affordable housing; the developer is required by the city to build affordable housing units in proportion to the number of market-rate units.
Corso said ADCO would consider giving priority for affordable housing to households forced to move during redevelopment. “Certificates of preference” were issued to property owners in Japantown for public housing. This would be the first private developer to honor the certificates. Mori said for “families displaced when Japantown is demolished … those individuals have preference to come back into this area, and housing opportunities would help.”
The ground floor of the proposed building would have 6,000 square feet of retail and 5,000 square feet for a community education center. Corso said the company was open to other uses of the space.
Cathy Inamasu, executive director of the child care group Nihonmachi Little Friends, said the group’s lease runs out next year and that it is looking for a more permanent space. But they would need at least 2,000 square feet of outdoor space, she said.
“They’re saying they want families,” Inamasu said, referring to the proposal that half the condos be built as two- and three-bedroom units. “Having child care on sight would encourage families to move there.”
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6 Responses to “J-Town Concerned About High-Rise Plans”
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Please don’t ruin another opportunity San Francisco. For once, will you listen to those who accept proper growth and look to the health of San Francisco’s future? The NIMBY’s in this town have become so draining with their scripted opposition. This is a beautiful tower designed by a world class firm that is in an area that hasn’t changed in 3 decades. Build it!!!!
Build this tower as proposed! Don’t let these NIMBYs try to cut this tower down. This elegant tower will fit in well with the existing built environment, and would be a beautiful addition to the skyline.
This could be a great new landmark building for Japantown. I love the height and elegant design.
ditto
Agreed, Japantown needs new life.
I love the building–Japan represents high style and high density. Why not J-town??