Opinion: Ashland Apartment Project Is Wrong for Sunset Park Neighborhood

Editor’s Note: The following is an opinion editorial submitted to Patch.com. It is not intended to reflect the views of Patch.

By Zina Josephs

ARB to consider an apartment project that’s “just too big”

At its January 5th meeting, the Architectural Review Board will be considering approval of the design of a 10-unit apartment project in the Sunset Park neighborhood.

802 Ashland is located on a steep undeveloped hillside just above the old Lincoln Pipe building on Lincoln Blvd. Normally, only a 4-unit apartment building would be allowed on the parcel, but because this is considered a “preferred permitted” project, the developer is being allowed to build 10 units.

Two lots have been tied together to form a “flag pole” property. The “pole” will become a 100-foot long driveway opening onto Ashland, and it will be the only access to the “flag.” The driveway will lead to a garage beneath the four 2-story apartment buildings. While it is described as a 2-story project, there will also be two studio apartments on the garage level, so it will actually be a 3-story project, surrounded on three sides by single-family homes.

Among other problems, neighbors feel that the project did not have proper CEQA review, as it has claimed an exemption that does not fit the facts on the ground. They are also concerned about traffic and parking impacts as Ashland is a very narrow street, it’s already congested, and there is already an acute shortage of on-street parking in the area. They have set up a “Stop 802 Ashland” Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stop-802-Ashland/355718624600423

The project will only be accessible via the narrow 100-foot-long curving driveway (which Planning staff considers the “front yard setback”) off of Ashland Avenue, just east of Lincoln Blvd. Labeling the driveway as the front setback will allow the developer to build closer to both the property lines and the neighbors than would normally be allowed.

If you are interested in this project, you can attend the hearing on Monday, January 5th, at 7 PM in City Hall (2nd floor City Council chambers) and speak during Public Comment by putting in a chit.

You can also email comments to the Architectural Review Board staff at Scott.Albright@smgov.net,Steve.Traeger@smgov.net, and Grace.Page@smgov.net. Your email comments will be forwarded to the ARB members.

Photo Credit: The Stop 802 Ashland Facebook Page