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Planning Commission takes discretionary review of 45 Bernard after heated testimony, imposes tenant-protection and design conditions
Summary
After hours of public testimony about evictions and open space, the Planning Commission voted 4-1 on Aug. 25 to take discretionary review of a proposed rear-yard expansion at 45 Bernard Street and imposed conditions including no spiral stair, no roof deck, staff monitoring and a sponsor commitment to attempt contact with prior tenants.
The Planning Commission voted 4-1 on Aug. 25 to take discretionary review of a contentious expansion proposal at 45 Bernard Street, directing conditions aimed at protecting remaining tenants and reducing visual bulk while asking staff to monitor compliance if the sponsor pursues building permits.
Staff architect David Winslow presented the project as a rear addition to a three-story, four-unit building that would legalize an unauthorized basement dwelling-unit (UDU) through the state ADU process and replace a deteriorated rear wood stair. The department—s analysis found the revised design reduced bulk and removed a deep exterior stair but also documented neighborhood opposition, eight letters of support and a signed petition with more than 1,000 signatures opposing the expansion.
Neighbors and community groups urged the commission to take discretionary review. Upper Chinatown Neighborhood Association representatives said the…
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