MARINA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Keeping tabs on large projects looming on the horizon
On July 14, the Planning Commission held a hearing on plans for the Community Housing Partnership and Larkin Street Youth Services to convert the King Edward II Inn at Lombard and Scott Streets into a low-income youth housing development. Numerous individuals and groups, including the MCA, attended to express their views both for and against the project. The MCA, along with other neighborhood groups, expressed opposition to some aspects of the plan. While we felt several of our proposed alternatives held merit and were worthy of consideration, the Planning Commission voted 5–1 in favor of going forward as planned.
The next step will be a vote of the Board of Supervisors to approve the special use district necessary to make the project financially feasible. The MCA will continue to work with other neighborhood groups, the Board of Supervisors, and the project sponsors in an effort to ensure that the concerns of neighborhood residents are not overlooked. Detailed updates of ongoing events are available on the Cow Hollow Association website at www.cowhollowassociation.org.
Last month also saw the publication of the environmental impact report (EIR) for the upcoming America’s Cup races in San Francisco. The organizing committee has put an enormous amount of effort into the planning for this event and has proven very responsive to the needs and concerns of our neighborhood. They deserve our thanks and our support. Many of the elements outlined in the EIR or under consideration for the America’s Cup are likely to result in real improvements to our neighborhood. As a result, we’re not only going to have front-row seats to an outstanding international event but are likely to see long-lasting benefits. The MCA will continue to work with the event organizers and encourages all Marina to get involved. Please feel free to send your suggestions or comments directly to the MCA at [email protected]
On a less pleasant note, some neighbors are expressing concern about the apparent increase in violent crime in our neighborhood. While official police statistics don’t yet register a significant increase, some recent events have caused residents to be on alert. About two months ago, an armed robbery took place near the intersection of Avila and Alhambra. The event was notable because it both took place on a relatively busy street and occurred in broad daylight, about 3 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. A similar event took place in late July near the intersection of Chestnut and Octavia, at about 5 p.m. In both instances, the victims were robbed at gunpoint of wallets, purses and cell phones and the perpetrators escaped in a vehicle. While the MCA will continue to work with city officials to determine if there are additional measures that can be taken, it serves as a good reminder to always be on alert and aware of your surroundings. Updates can also be found on the Marina Watch website at www.groups.google.com/group/marinawatch.
Finally, two MCA events are on the calendar in the upcoming months. The MCA-sponsored Marina Family Day is tentatively scheduled at Moscone Recreation Center on Sept. 25. The event will include a variety of activities, food and entertainment. During the last week in October, the MCA will also hold our Annual General Meeting. This event is intended to provide an opportunity for all residents of the Marina, both members and nonmembers of the MCA, to get together to share information on events in our neighborhood. This is also the time when members will have an opportunity to vote for the MCA board of directors. For more information on these events, keep an eye on the MCA website at www.sfmca.org.
John Millar is president of the Marina Community Association. The MCA is a volunteer organization dedicated to protecting and improving the distinctive residential quality of San Francisco’s Marina District. E-mail: [email protected]
