Saturday, October 20, 2007

A lot has happened

Since the last post so much has occured. There was a hearing with the Board of Appeals where many of the neighbors of 1266 Dolores Street appeared and were able to speak to the issues surrounding the construction habits, violations and disrespect the builder/developer has shown to the city regulations and the community surrounding this building. I for one was disappointed in the outcome. Representatives for the builder bold faced lied about the construction and the use of the old boards on the building they were suppose to remodel. It really looked like things were going our way when one of the Board Members - after the vote said he did not understand why the one building was under a stop work order and frankly the Building if Inspection Department Representative was either inept or ill informed - he stumbled and stuttered and did not have his information together. so they were given the go - ahead again.

There is some hope for the back of the building - a rear addition was put up without proper permits. This building blocks the light to the building behind it and is larger than the one they tore down. The hearing for this portion of the building is October 24th and if you can make it - please do. I believe it is at the Planning Department. The way developers are steamrolling through Noe Valley - I would want to be involved in every aspect of my neighbor - and my city's decisions on who and what type can be built here.

This developer has used shoddy materials, non-union labor and has worked in the dead of night to get his way. He has violated every stop work order he gets and still he is allowed to build in this city. I find appalling and somewhat curious as to how he can continue breaking the laws and regulations to fit his wants, make is million and screw everyone else in the process.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

If these people want to build next door to you...Get a Lawyer!

Approximately two years ago the property next door to the building I live in was sold to Dolores Street Holdings, LLC. The Project Manager does not appear to have a contractor's license and the designer of the building did not have an architect's degree at the time this nightmare began.

All the attempts to negotiate with these two individuals were fruitless. "I can do whatever I want to and there is nothing you can do about it." is their mantra. They have done exactly what they have wanted to do with the help of the project planner of the Planning Department and the Building Inspection Department. It makes you wonder who is helping who...

We did all the right things. Approached the Planning Department for a Discretionary hearing and were fervently discouraged, approached the Building Inspection Department and were disappointed and discouraged there.

Look up 1266 Dolores Street and read the complaints.

The project has been a nightmare for the Noe Valley neighbors and the neighboring properties to this development. They have damaged foundations, retaining walls, windows,nailed frames directly into neighboring buildings, have built beyond their plans - higher than any other building in the neighborhood and out to the very end of the property leaving windows overlooking neighbors in the most invasive way.
Most of the complaints to the city were met with discouragement.

This developer wants what he wants and he does not care who he steps on to get it with no regard for the neighbors of the area. Although he will tell you he is a great neighbor. I can not see how you can step all over the rights of those around you and be a good neighbor.