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Planning Commission approves 621 Eleventh Avenue addition despite neighbor objections
Summary
After hearing neighbor objections on light, privacy and communication, the commission voted 6‑0 not to take discretionary review requests and approved the proposed second‑story rear addition at 621 Eleventh Avenue with staff recommendations.
David Winslow, staff architect, presented a discretionary review of a proposed second‑story horizontal rear addition at 621 Eleventh Avenue. Two adjacent neighbors, Kevin Wong (625 Eleventh) and Chao Chen (619 Eleventh), asked the commission to take Doctor and requested modifications: reduce the rear extension by 3–5 feet, stagger windows and use transparent railings to preserve light and privacy.
Both Doctor requesters recounted repeated unsuccessful attempts to meet with the project team and said plans under‑represented existing windows and the project’s effect on their homes’ light and privacy. Kevin Wong said the extension would “box in the rear of our second floor” where his family spends much of its time. Chao Chen emphasized disability and daylight needs for his daughter and urged the commission to protect mid‑block open space access.
Project sponsors Jim and Mary McCare explained their long tenure at the property, said the proposed massing is consistent with adjacent additions and offered to work on some mitigation items such as fogged glass or cable rail where feasible. After deliberation Commissioners found no exceptional or extraordinary conditions to justify taking Doctor. Commissioner Moore moved to approve staff’s recommendation not to take Doctor and to approve the project; the motion passed unanimously 6‑0.
Outcome: the commission approved the project as proposed and did not require the additional modifications sought by the neighbors.
