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Committee advances Union Square fee increase to full Board, limits change to $4→$6 per square foot
Summary
The committee adopted amendments clarifying that the planning code change only increases a Union Square conversion fee from $4 to $6 per square foot; the Planning Commission had recommended the change and the committee sent the ordinance to the full Board without objection.
The Land Use and Transportation Committee on March 18 adopted amendments and forwarded to the full Board an ordinance amending the planning code to adjust a Union Square Park recreation and open-space fee and to change zoning controls for non-retail sales and service uses in the C3-R downtown retail district.
Chair Aaron Peskin said the committee's action would be limited to changing the fee from $4 to $6 per square foot and would not alter previously negotiated conditions related to conversion of the third floor. "The only thing we are doing is changing the $4 to $6 and we are not changing any of the conditions that we worked out," Peskin said, distributing amendments that he said reflect that limited scope.
Audrey Butkus, planning department staff, told the committee the Planning Commission reheard the item on Feb. 21 and unanimously approved the fee change from $4 to $6. "If you have any questions, I'm available," Butkus said, confirming the commission's recommendation.
Public commenters representing property owners and the Union Square Business Improvement District thanked the committee for clarifying the scope and for working with stakeholders. Tuia Catalano thanked Supervisor Peskin for coordinating with property and business owners; Karen Flood, executive director of the Union Square BID, said the funds generated by the fee will be used for public-realm improvements in and around Union Square and that final language will mirror the legislation already signed by the mayor.
Supervisor Matt Haney moved to adopt the amendments; the committee took the motion without objection and sent the item as amended to the full Board with recommendation. The meeting was then adjourned.
