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Planning Commission keeps Masonic interim conditional-use hearing on Nov. 17 after neighborhood push for longer delay
Summary
The Planning Commission continued the Masonic interim conditional use item for 1111 California Street to Nov. 17 after residents pressed for more time; neighbors had asked for a January date citing holiday absences and outstanding EIR materials, while the applicant supported the shorter continuance to avoid disrupting scheduled events.
The San Francisco Planning Commission on Oct. 27 agreed to continue consideration of a request to permit the Nob Hill Masonic Auditorium to operate as an interim legal nonconforming entertainment use until Nov. 17.
Neighbors and city attorneys representing nearby residents urged the commission to move the hearing to Jan. 12, citing the holiday season, incomplete staff materials and the need to review documents tied to an Environmental Impact Report that staff says will not be finished until late 2012. Sue Hester, attorney for an adjacent property owner, asked the commission to “set a definitive date that is a drop-dead date where this is resolved,” saying earlier hearings left unresolved negotiations between parties.
Representing the Masonic, attorney Steve Bridal supported the staff recommendation for a three-week continuance to Nov. 17. Bridal said the hearing on Nov. 17 would be limited in scope — an interim conditional use to allow existing uses to continue while the EIR is prepared — and warned that a longer delay could jeopardize scheduled events, including concerts booked in December.
Commissioners debated competing interests: several expressed frustration with repeated continuances and urged the parties to prepare, while others emphasized the neighborhood’s desire for more time to organize and review materials. The commission voted to continue the item to Nov. 17 and agreed to place it first on the regular calendar to maximize the chance that Commissioners Moore and others can be present.
The Commission’s action was procedural; no final conditional-use authorization or change to the EIR schedule was adopted. Staff and the parties were directed to circulate available materials in advance of the Nov. 17 hearing so neighbors can review submissions.
Next steps: the conditional-use continuation is scheduled for Nov. 17; the EIR work remains on the longer schedule described by staff.
