Historic preservation panel approves Washington Square irrigation and drainage work after public concern about yearlong closure

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission on May 16 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness enabling the Washington Square Water Conservation Project to move forward while reserving conditions for final materials and continued community engagement. The project, managed by the Recreation and Park Department, seeks to cut irrigation from about 3,300,000 gallons a year to roughly 1,000,000 gallons.

Rec and Park project manager Levi Conover told commissioners the project focuses on replacing the irrigation and subdrainage system and that the funded scope currently does not include new pathways. "The 1.5 acre irrigated area uses approximately 3,300,000 gallons of water a year," Conover said, adding the replacement would reduce that use by about two-thirds. He said the project may require closure of the majority of the park "for up to a year," while the northwest corner with the children's play area and restroom would remain open.

Neighbors urged delay and stronger outreach. Joan Wood, a 52-year Telegraph Hill resident, told the commission she was stunned that some community members learned only recently that the park could be closed for a year: "Closing Washington Square Park for 1 year is something that must be put before the public," she said, asking the commission to postpone action so neighborhood groups could be properly briefed. Small-business owners and neighborhood volunteers also warned a long closure could hurt storefronts and displace people who use the park.

Planning staff and Rec & Park said many of the closure and social-service concerns fall under Rec & Park and CEQA review and will be addressed in further outreach and at the Rec & Park Commission hearing. Elizabeth Junker of Planning staff summarized the preservation scope subject to HPC review, noting the designation ordinance requires HPC hearings for changes to paving material, fences, benches, and similar features. Staff concluded that the proposed work is compatible with the landmark'defining features and recommended approval with the condition that final materials be submitted for preservation staff review.

Commissioners asked detailed questions about phasing, whether partial scope could be done to reduce closure time, and whether pathways should be delayed until funding is secured. Conover said phasing is difficult because the work requires removal of the top roughly nine inches of soil and replacement of the drainage network under the lawn, which complicates keeping portions of the lawn in use during construction.

After public testimony and discussion, a motion to approve the staff recommendation was made and seconded. The commission voted unanimously to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness, 6'0to'00, while noting Rec & Park must continue outreach, explore mitigation measures and return to the Rec & Park Commission for final project approval and CEQA compliance.

Next steps: Rec & Park will continue outreach, pursue remaining funding for optional pathway scope, and the project will require Rec & Park Commission approval and the CEQA process before construction can begin. Levi Conover told the commission the earliest start in a best case would be December of 2018, depending on funding and permitting.