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Planning Commission approves demolition and 3-unit replacement at 251 Arkansas Street over neighbor objections
Summary
After public testimony from an adjacent neighbor who said the new building would "destroy that precious open space," the commission approved demolition and replacement at 251 Arkansas Street on a 6'1 vote, finding the existing house not a historic resource and the revised design compliant with residential-design guidelines.
The Planning Commission on Feb. 18 approved the mandatory discretionary review for demolition of a single-family home at 251 Arkansas Street and the construction of a four-story, three-unit replacement (resulting in a net gain of two dwelling units).
Planning staff found that the existing house was not a historic resource and that the revised replacement design met residential demolition criteria and the department's residential design guidelines. Staff noted the sponsor had revised plans to remove rear bays, relocate the roof deck and add a small notch at the top floor to address neighborhood concerns; the Residential Design Team supported the revised plan.
Adjacent neighbor Raquel Jimenez said the project would "destroy that precious open space for us" and asked that the rear massing be pulled back to preserve ambient light and protect her foundation. Her counsel reiterated requests for a larger notch to preserve rear-yard open space and sunlight to a below-grade unit. The project architect and sponsor explained they had met with neighbors multiple times, made concessions and that similar rear-yard massing exists on other block properties.
After discussion, the commission denied the DR request and approved the demolition and replacement as proposed, voting 6'1 with Commissioner Olague dissenting. Staff will proceed with permit processing and the sponsor may move to building-permit stage.
