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Board continues contested Skyline/625 Taylor and 734 Bush appeals, keeps permits suspended and directs draft conditions
Summary
After tenant testimony alleging unpermitted demolition, asbestos exposure and tenant displacement at 734 Bush and 625 Taylor, the Board continued the cases one week to adopt findings and conditions. The Board left the permits suspended and directed parties to prepare conditions (hazmat surveys, dust control, bilingual 48‑hour notices, 8AM–6PM business-day work limits, 90‑day per-unit work limits).
A consolidated set of appeals targeting permits issued to Skyline/City Apartments/Trophy Properties for work at 734 Bush Street and multiple units at 625 Taylor Street drew extensive testimony from tenants, tenant advocates and the permit holder. Appellant Harold Darling (San Francisco Tenants Union) alleged unpermitted demolition, asbestos and lead‑paint hazards, tenant displacement and slow or inadequate enforcement by DBI. Tenants described dust, repeated water shutoffs and exposed plumbing and walls removed without permits; one tenant said corridors were "cloudy, full of dust." Tenant advocates including Greg Shaw (Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club) described a larger political campaign and multiple complaints against the owner.
Permit holder counsel Jared Eigerman and project managers acknowledged some unpermitted demolition by a prior contractor, described corrective permits and presented before‑and‑after photos showing necessary repairs, asserted the scope is to make needed safety and sanitary improvements, and said an asbestos study exists for 734 Bush. DBI’s Lawrence Kornfield and planning staff discussed enforcement, lead and asbestos policy, and the limits of DBI’s authority over asbestos (which is regulated by state contractor licensing and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District) and noted DBI’s procedures for inspections and potential enforcement.
Commissioners and parties worked toward a package of conditions to reduce tenant harm: hud‑style hazmat/Phase II surveys where appropriate, dust and containment controls, 48‑hour bilingual notice to tenants (slip under door or mailed) for planned utility shutdowns, 8AM–6PM business‑day work hours with no weekends, per‑unit physical work to be completed within 90 days, and coordination with DBI and air‑quality authorities. The Board moved to continue one week to adopt written findings and conditions; the permits remain suspended until the Board issues final findings and the rehearing period expires.
