Neighbors and commission press for changes to proposed bus-station designs in historic districts

The Historic and Design Commission on Dec. 3 heard extensive neighborhood opposition and technical questions about a citywide program to install 26 new bus-station stops, including six sites reviewed at the meeting.

Lisa Lien, in a voicemail read into the record, said the King Williams association and its architectural advisory committee strongly oppose “the altos de para el camión” proposed in front of Bonom Elementary because converting the sidewalk in front of the school into a raised station would reduce pedestrian space and increase the risk of accidents. “Esto... resultará en accidentes,” the message said.

Applicants Art Her and Christine Villa told the commission the program includes three shelter sizes and that, for sites inside historic districts, the project must follow the city’s review process. They said several stops shown at the meeting replace existing stops and that design elements such as color and informational signage can be adjusted, though structural components are broadly standardized.

Neighbors questioned several technical details. Commissioners and applicants confirmed the existing clear distance at some stops is 48 inches and that the proposed minimum clearances at the narrowest points would be about 4 feet 4 inches; staff said additional right-of-way or purchased property will provide space for benches, ticket machines and wheelchair circulation. An engineer for the project explained that moving a property owner’s wall back by a few feet or purchasing a narrow strip of land would create the listed clearance.

JC Gotton, speaking for neighbors, said the proposed modern shelters “no concuerdan con el distrito histórico” and expressed surprise that property owners on San Pedro were not contacted earlier. A Legacy Group representative, identifying themselves as the owner of 2402 San Pedro, urged the commission to require designs that reflect the district’s character rather than a uniform national-style template.

Commissioners repeatedly emphasized safety near schools, ADA access and the narrowness of King Williams streets. One commissioner said they were not opposed to new stations in principle but wanted more detailed visualizations, clearer information about required property takings or setbacks, and stronger assurances that rebuilt or relocated walls would match historic materials.

After discussion the commission modified its approach: a motion that would have approved several station items with stipulations was replaced with a directive for the applicants to return to the Design Review Committee (DRC) for further design work, documentation and neighborhood coordination. The motion to require DRC review passed by roll call vote.

The commission’s request asks applicants to clarify platform dimensions, demonstrate how ADA circulation will be preserved, show how any relocated or reconstructed walls will be rebuilt to historic standards, and provide refined visuals that reflect alternate color palettes and sign/interpretive treatment for historic districts. The commission recorded unanimous support for the referral.

Next steps: applicants were directed to meet with staff and the DRC, return with refined plans and materials samples, and coordinate outreach to impacted property owners before final commission consideration.