going back to the plan view, we recommend eight stories or 87 to 90 feet depending on the height of the ground floor, along the drug street frontage. we also allow for a maximum of 1/3 of the site to be built to a height of 12 stories or 127 to 130 feet. the exact placement of the we have left flexible. we would prefer to see it as close to the southwest corner of the parcel as possible, but allowing in recognizing the need for some creative license on the part of the architect, to place it in the most appropriate way. what we show here is the full extent, of to 130 feet, 12 stories. and then, six stories along the washington frontage and then

along the embarcadero as well. in evaluating the proposed sites for the parcel south of broadway, we considered a number of criteria. first, the need to refrain embarcadero and sue bierman park. the need for any new development to fit into the scale of golden gateway apartments, the golden gate way commons, and embarcadero center in historic buildings across the embarcadero itself. the area as a strategic location next to downtown and proximity to the waterfront, city's need for housing, and the opportunity for new residents to enliven activate the waterfront and the neighborhood and the downtown. this commission is well aware planning is necessarily a balancing act. this is especially true for this segment of the waterfront where historic the different opinions to exist. to help inform us, we looked at

a number of international examples based on community suggestions and these are areas that are adjacent to downtown, and we chose compatible and broad comparisons. i will be a high low, but a number of the cities in general -- i will give you a high level here. here in hamburg and here in stockholm. we have also tried to take contemporary examples, not to buy it, but certainly, some of the historic european city centers, also built at the same height, certainly have very positive connotation. they are continuing to be built at that scale. we also looked at the north american model. people raise the example of

vancouver with a 20-plus story tower behind. chicago is another waterfront city that community members suggested as having a gracious waterfront, and they certainly build tremendous height of to the edge of the open spaces along the waterfront as well. we made a large number of parking recommendations, and we should have definitely minimize the effect of parking -- of all street parking on the pedestrian environment. in addition to that, we made a number of other recommendations, including conducting a comprehensive study to address the long term parking needs of the ferry building and uses in the area. the study should include parking management in the funding system. for other, we recommend limiting parking in the development to approximate parking allowed.

finally, replace a parking should be based upon the demonstration of need for the district's function. as many of you now know, and as i indicated, there is a group of residents who have infinitely higher design to conduct their own planning process. we have met with the group and received a brief presentation. we have not yet received any written documentation of the group of's ideas, but based on those presentations and conversations with the group's spokesman, we can come to some preliminary recommendations -- conclusions. first, that there is broad agreement with the vast majority of planning's recommendations, but not limited to the geographic scope of the study, connections to an adjacent neighborhoods the washington, jackson, and broadway, development in all blocs within the study area, new open spaces, and widened sidewalks along the west side of

embarcadero. we are very optimistic about this process. we are encouraged by some of the early recommendations, and we look forward to hearing more from the group in the future, a recommendation that was endorsed by our planning commission, and we look forward to seeing some written comments as well for more in-depth review. close in points, a reminder that nebraska embarcadero study is an urban design study. the study builds on the great amount of planning work in the area, including the 10-year land use planning effort led by the court. the study concluded that the land side is in great need of public realm and design site improvements, and finally, planning has designed and doubles and recommendations to address these challenges. we have organized them under a number of key strategies to strengthen the pedestrian at work, including to the west, to create a larger, more tightly knit open space network, and finally, to ensure high quality buildings that frame and

activate the public realm. that in it -- that concludes my presentation. thank you very much. commissioner fong: thank you. any additional comments? ok, we are going to open this up to public comment, and there maybe some diverse opinions, so i'm going to ask there be no applause, and if you have any comments, to bring the outside. first one is dave stock fell -- stockdale >> good afternoon. i'm the executive director of the nonprofit firms market, so i'm here representing my board. our staff, our volunteers, and the 110 sellers at the ferry plaza farmer's market. we would like to commend the planning department for the extensive effort and thought that went into creating these

guidelines, these principles. we fully endorse the view point they are presenting, and in particular, we would like to comment on just a few items in their plan that we find particularly important for those of us operating small businesses in the area because this is a mixed use area. residents, visitors, and it is small businesses, and we appreciate this broader view that has been taken. for instance, items such as lots should be developed and released from growing unit developments, including two and 3-bedroom units to provide options for families. it is about creating proper density in the heart of the city, and for those of us with locally focused businesses, we present -- we appreciate the development that actually brings customers closer to us. second point made in the plan -- new developments should include

local and city-serving uses aimed at the needs of residents and local businesses. again, pointing out for those of us as small businesses, our needs include planning. includes lighting, safety, beauty, accessibility, and parking. finally on that point that is so critical, that the comment that existing parking the serbs surrounding businesses and attractions should be replaced and possibly increase on sites where it is essential for the district's function -- again, we appreciate that observation. as a green organization, we certainly prefer and actually try to encourage people to use alternative transportation to take advantage of transit, by it is the fact that some of our customers rely on the convenience of being able to park nearby and access our business is provided to them, so we find the planning department

for recognizing the need for some of our customers. again, is about creating a waterfront that works for all of us, and we appreciate divisions and guidelines that do that for us. commissioner fong: thank you. veronica sanchez. >> mr. president, members of the commission, veronica sanchez speaking on behalf of the inland boatmen scene of the pacific, the marine division of 40 lw -- for the lw. also, for the master mason pilots. as you know, both of our unions crew the ferry boats on the day, and we have the following steady process very closely because the design guidelines that are being provided certainly provide an

opportunity. we will release some of these parcels, particularly 337, for future development that is needed. the replacement parking in the ferry building area which is needed to expand the ferry terminal, and we worked very hard to go and get that public funding for this project, so there is a lot at stake here. we complement the efforts of the planning department in this study in balancing the need for public spaces, recreational uses, the community benefits, and most importantly, the ports need to be profitable so that it can continue to subsidize maritime operations. like the ferry services, ferry terminals that it does subsidize along the waterfront, so we thank you for the opportunity to have been part of this process, and we think there is really no

need for further studies or changes. i know marina labored very hard for this year's of the commission, that advisory board, and she feels very strongly that it is complete. so thank you very much. >> good afternoon or good evening, commissioners. one of the original developers of the their rebuilding was unable to attend to dave asked that i submit this letter on his behalf. "i regret i am unable to attend your hearing today. while i cannot give testimony in person, i would like to share my belief that the nebraska waterfront plan will have a profound as -- profound impact on many businesses that have moved to this area and around the ferry building and have contributed to the revitalization of the very important public space to the city. i believe the plan will

encourage appropriate development of other small lots on the development, and also firmly believe that any development of a parking lot must include a permanent supply of public parking for the use of retail customers, appropriately priced to discourage all-day parking an adequate provisions for interim parking during any construction phases to ensure that existing retail in the area is not harmed by the new development. having witnessed the last decade of progress on our waterfront and having been intimately involved in the planning efforts, i know first firsthand how difficult nearly impossible it can be reached consensus on any development or change on the waterfront. i would like to commend planning staff for their efforts over the last year-and-a-half in embarking on a study that involves so many diverse and very stakeholders. the study not only augments the decade of planning that went into the waterfront land use plan but also sets the stage for future developments in this area, such as sea wall lot 351

and ensuring that the area and the ferry building remain viable. i've seen progress on the bayside over the years, and the land side remains undeveloped. the study frames this discussion and encourages responsible, smart development and open spaces along the embarcadero. for all of these reasons, i encourage the port commission to support these guidelines and the work of the planning staff over the past year-and-a-half, and move forward with sensible development, such as sea wall lot 351." thank you. commissioner fong: thank you. >> good evening, commissioners. i am an attorney at gibson dunn, which is a member of smirk. i'm here tonight to read a letter that is submitted from the metcalf of spur -- gabe

metcal. "dear commissioners, we would like to offer our support for the acceptance of the northeast embarcadero study. it reflects strong staff work and is implemented with -- if implemented, would significantly improve the public realm of sentences. if knowledge is the importance of the embarcadero to the city and includes design approaches so it enhances the city for everyone. most important, we believe these guidelines are consistent with the port's waterfront land use plan. we think it is essential if we continue to refer to the waterfront land use plan as the governing document for decisions about what lands. this planning process was started by citizen initiative and ultimately involved hundreds of citizens in one of the most extensive public participation processes in the city's history. planning is going to matter, rather than the unpredictability of side-by-side battles over

each project that comes along, we have to actually rely on the integrity of our documents. we should not start a new project for each that is proposed. we heard a presentation at the last hearing by asian neighborhood design about a planning study they are doing on behalf of some of the neighbors in the area. i was impressed by the quality of their work, and i look forward to seeing the results of their study. fortunately, they're thinking appears to be largely consistent with the city staff's work, and i think is possible to simultaneously do three things. one, except the northeast embarcadero study. here below, move forward with asian neighborhood design's community-based study, and 3, continue to evaluate individual projects based on their consistency with the waterfront land use plan. planning in the nebraska waterfront, as in every other part of san francisco, will never be finished for all time.

we will always be finding new issues to address in revising past work. that means we cannot put everything on hold while we're planning. a strong plan with integrity is already in place, as it is with the port's waterfront land use plan. we should continue to move forward even while the planning efforts are undertaken, as they always will be. thank you for considering our perspective. sincerely, gabe metcalf." thank you. >> good evening, commissioners. i am a principal at an architecture firm here in san francisco. i work on the embarcadero and am intimately familiar with the challenges it presents. i'm pleased to be here on behalf of my firm and many individuals who have worked effortlessly to support the thoughtful development of their waterfront

community. without equivocation, i'm in favor of the northeast embarcadero study and encourage your unanimous support. the study was the most recent effort commenced 15 months ago in february 2009 and was based, as you know, on many years of hard work by individuals, small community groups, design and planning professionals. the port's waterfront land use plan was adopted in 1997. so much time, effort, and financial resources have been invested in this area of the waterfront, and this study adds more detail to the port for the waterfront land use plan. there is no doubt the study represents good planning principles, historic sensitivity, acknowledgment of open space requirements, and connectivity between neighborhoods and the day. every planning process in this city faces certain special interest groups who are investing in maintaining the status quo. however, the city must make bold steps in order to insure our

waterfront's viability and success, and this study does just that. at the end of the day, the study supports with the city searches for, a template for creation of extraordinary experiences at the city's waterfront, tempered by guidelines regarding site design, building management, and pedestrian access. thank you for your time. commissioner fong: thank you. >> good evening, commissioners. my name is roger wong. i'm a resident of san francisco for over 35 years. i'm an architect mo and architect mss wong associates practicing here along the waterfront.

i work here, i work on products here, and on weekends, i bring my family here. first of all, i would like to say that this district is like no other. the ferry building, the embarcadero, the, not, the fort walks, and these are all true public access and to open space for all of san francisco. on any given day, especially weakens, the district is enjoyed by a diverse group of people. you see mothers, fathers, hikers, joggers, walkers, lovers, skaters, and, yes, even skateboarders. i have to admit, over 20 years ago, when the 1989 loma prieta earthquake took down the freeway, i had close family and friends in chinatown that were

my concern. the chinese community wanted the freeway replaced. freeway opponents pushed for the freeway removal instead of the repair. at first, a cost traffic woes, but soon, drivers readjusted. what we all forget, prior to the earthquake, there was strong opposition to remove the embarcadero freeway. in 1986, voters rejected the board of supervisors'proposal to remove the freeway. opposition claimed it would cause major gridlock. the proposal was the dividend. there were eat -- there was even a 1000-page eir supporting the measure. one of the supervisors and even

the love of columnist for lilly were opposed to the freeway removal at the time. we were wrong. -- originally were opposed. it took as quick to show us. 20 years later, there is a brighter side. the embarcadero is given a chance to reunite with the waterfront, starting with projects like the very building and tears 1.5, 3 and 5, a project that i was delighted to participate in, is bringing the embarcadero back to life. we have a true public realm here. we have an opportunity to unite neighborhoods, provide pedestrian connections to the waterfront, not dead-end streets. commissioners, i fully support the northeast embarcadero study and what it offers to connect the communities we have here. thank you.

>> thank you. [inaudible] i'm on the board of directors of aia san francisco. i'm here to speak on behalf of the board and offer our support of the northeast embarcadero study. the board of directors on aia said -- san francisco endorses the study as a new tool to guide development along the western edge of the embarcadero. the study sets in place measures to address treatment of historic resources, establishes appropriate height limits for new construction, and it will provide overall guidance to project sponsors and agency reviewers. the embarcadero has the potential to become ec's grant, now -- become the cd's grand

promenade the overall document is a solid framework for future development along the embarcadero, and we encourage its development. i have a few letters of support that i would like to read to you. i will bring them over, and again, thank you for your support. commissioner fong: thank you. >> good evening. i'm here to represent my firm. we are geotechnical engineers. i was at last week's public meeting, and i will just abbreviate my comments here, but i speak on behalf of my firm -- we are all native san franciscans born and raised here, and personally, we really endorse this plan. i like the analogy to the string

of pearls that we have been lucky enough as professionals to have been involved in theory the creation of a number of those pearls, and i think this is definitely the next one in the string. i would like to add the insight to this that specifically, the washington building, a building of that scope and the associated foundations that would, of course, take into account the many engineering constraints of building a large building in this area of the city, but a building of that scope really has the effect to increase what we would term the global stability of the area, which i think is not a trivial asset to public safety in this region, so just again, as a native san franciscan, on behalf of my firm, i really support this measure. i think it has been done fairly, although we really look forward to seeing it progress. thank you very much.

>> good afternoon. first of all, i want to say please do not refer to sue bierman park. it is illegal and fraudulent name of it, and it never passed the board of supervisors, so please stop reporting fraud. the plan is seriously flawed. there is no need for condos, especially on the corner of washington and the embarcadero. this area is so congested with heavy population that it does not need another one. the east side is lovely. there's so much progress on it. an underground garage. 500 cars on the corner of washington. it is only four lanes for one block, and they want to take that away. this is ridiculous. folks, please use some common sense.

[inaudible] the 555 washington street condo died for good reason, and it was not because of special interests. it was because it was wrong, and this is wrong. connect the boat to the water. this is a travesty. i do not understand where you are coming from. the tower that contradicts the waterfront study plan in the first place, and you cannot go wrong with this. you have to make this a beautiful thoroughfare, so connect the land to the day. do not block the ferry building sites. this is in direct contrast to where the ferry building is. you will not be able to see it, and that is just iscoit tower. you have to protect that view.

so again, you  tower. you can have valet parking. you can have shuttles. you cannot get to the bay bridge now, with n. with the exploratorium and other things coming down the pike, it is going to be ridiculous. this contradicts your own recommendations. another not the proposal. why do we have to cut through a street where there are lovely condos protected by that area when we can get through washington street and broadway? why cut it in the middle, which creates homeless people, security problems, and all kinds of nonsense we do not need? let us keep the west side of the waterfront quiet. let us keep it at 40 feet.

we did it for good reason down the other end. we cannot do anything about the south side. let's keep the north side beautiful. there is no comparison. president fong: allan mark. >> hello. i am a resident of washington hills for 20 years and a homeowner there. i have also been a member of the telegraph club for 18 years. i am the president of the company involved in real estate consulting on the residential side. i strongly support the northeast embarcaderos study. it has been very thorough, very well thought out. this town averages about 1000 sales a year of condos. at the peak of the market, there were 3000 condominium sold in

2007. right now we have 800 left that are not in contract. there is virtually no new residential construction going on in the market. i do not see anything happening for the next year or two. i envision another shortage of housing, unfortunately. many developments take a minimum of 18 months to three years to build. i know the embarcadero very well. i think we can activate the site. i do not think it is terribly safe at night. i am a major walker. i think we should support this. it involves a lot of surface lots. i see empty lots that turn into activated sites during the day and night. it really changes the neighborhood. president fong: thank you. will travis?