Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Institutional Master Plans topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission hears Academy of Art IMP update; staff says full IMP required because acquisitions changed scope
Summary
Staff told the Planning Commission that the Academy of Art University's recent submittal requires a full Institutional Master Plan, not a two‑year update, because of new property acquisitions and proposed conversions; public commenters pressed for clearer student‑housing, shuttle and retail data.
The Planning Commission received an informational presentation July 27 on the Academy of Art University institutional master plan (IMP) update, and staff concluded the submission requires a full IMP rather than a routine two‑year update because the academy has acquired new properties and proposed new housing and facilities.
Corey Teague, Assistant Zoning Administrator, summarized the IMP program’s history, thresholds and recent 2007 amendments that clarify when a full IMP is required. Mary Woods of department staff said AAU had submitted the required update under the parties’ term sheet and that the submittal includes the acquisition of three Venice properties (1142 Venice, 1946 Venice and 2550 Venice) and possible conversions at sites including 1055 Pine that might become affordable housing.
Several public speakers urged stronger standards and clearer data. Speakers including Paul Wormer and Chris Schaffer criticized aspects of the academy’s shuttle-route illustrations and utilization figures, saying the materials provide limited insight into peak-period impacts and that maps and codes should be clearer. Multiple speakers warned that student housing can remove rent‑controlled units from the housing stock and asked that IMP submissions treat purchased buildings the same as new construction.
Mary Woods and counsel Corinne Quigley (representing AAU) said the academy is bound by a settlement term sheet that requires phased student housing; staff reiterated that the current hearing is informational and that neighborhood notification and a future noticed hearing will be required for the full IMP. Director Ram reminded the public that settlement discussions and the term sheet resulted from pending litigation and that the agreement commits the academy to produce new student housing in phases and that those numbers will be part of future development agreement discussions.
Staff asked for commissioner feedback and said they will return with a revised IMP and a schedule for a noticed hearing after neighborhood notices are issued.
