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Board continues appeal over 425 Bush scaffolding after businesses report lost light, security concerns
Summary
Businesses and property owners in Claude Lane told the Board that an emergency-style clear-span scaffolding permit for facade repairs created a tunnel that reduced light, hurt outdoor dining and invited security problems; the Board continued the appeal to Dec. 16 and directed status reports to encourage expedited remediation.
Business owners and property managers told the San Francisco Board of Appeals on Nov. 18 that scaffolding permitted for 425 Bush Street has created a dark "tunnel" down Claude Lane that has reduced customers, harmed outdoor dining and increased security problems.
Appellant Daniel Pan said the permitted scaffolding "is pretty much a tunnel" that blocks light and fire-escape access and described recent break-ins and safety issues for tenants. "This tunnel is just a freeway," Pan said, arguing the permit should be revoked. Multiple business owners, including Cafe Claude, said their outdoor dining and walk-in business had suffered since scaffolding went up on Sept. 8.
Lehi Diaz of Colliers, the permit holder, said the configuration was chosen to allow multiple crews to work safely and quickly after the Department of Public Works and the Fire Department determined the facade posed a safety hazard. DPW's John Kuang and DBI's Lawrence Cornfield explained they had received engineer letters warning of incipient facade failure and that removing the scaffolding before repairs were made could risk falling debris.
Commissioners pressed both sides for alternatives to the clear-span approach and discussed possible conditions, performance expectations and a timeline. The Board voted unanimously to continue the appeal to Dec. 16, 2009 and required status reports at that hearing to monitor progress and encourage expedited completion. DPW indicated the existing street-space permit is set to expire Dec. 9, 2009; the department said extensions or reapplications would be appealable and would carry associated fees.
