Publish Date
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Article & Link
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Source
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Byline
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Description
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3/18/2011
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The steady drip of Starbucks-Peet's buyout rumors |
SFGate.Com |
Andrew Ross
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Will Starbucks buy Peet's Coffee?
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5/17/2010
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St. Francis Circle Rail Replacement Project
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website
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SFMTA
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Handy information on the St. Francis Circle rebuild project.
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11/8/2009
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State Exploring growth strategy
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San Francisco Chronicle
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John King
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This article is interesting in that it sets the expectation that the state is exploring that development should occur. This has implications at both city and state level in that higher density housing will most likely be the direction that will be explored.
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5/1/2009
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Arden Wood makes some progress
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West Portal Monthly
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Eric Castongia
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Status of the two Arden Wood developments: 1) the seven houses at 15th and Wawona and 2) the proposed condominium project is stalled because of the economy.
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11/21/2008
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City embraces community benefit district trend
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SF Business Times
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Douglas Robson
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While the article is specifically about community benefit districts being planned in Oakland, it's important to realize the trend. West Portal Avenue is in the process of developing a community benefit district to enhance it's commercial area.
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11/7/2008
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Developers find ways to drive new residents home
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SF Business Times
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Leena Rao
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This article talks about how developers are having to comply with a 2005 SF City ordinance which requires developments with 50 or more units to be required to offer car-sharing services on-site or within 800 feet of the building. It highlights the city's push toward public transit and green development.
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10/31/2008
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Credit Freeze puts major S.F. projects on ice
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SF Business Times
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J.K. Dineen
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Article on how the credit freeze has affected proposed new developments in the city and throughout the country.
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10/29/2008
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Let's Dense
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California Architecture and Design
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Sam Lubell
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Article about California Passing SB375, which directs the state's Air Resource Board to work with planning authorities to set land use plans taking greenhouse gas reduction targets in mind. This means more dense housing with public transit-oriented communities in mind.
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10/17/2008
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Mission Bay housing construction slows to a crawl
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San Francisco Business Times
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J.K. Dineen
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The current financial woes are slowing construction in Mission Bay. Will no current movement on the proposed Arden Wood Development, perhaps the economy is slowing that project down as well.
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10/17/2008
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Slump has silver lining for affordable housing
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SF Business Times
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Blanca Torres
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The declining real estate market could be creating an opportunity for affordable housing developers to buy entitled projects not able to get off the ground by market-rate developers.
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10/1/2008
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Making 19th Avenue Safer
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West Portal Monthly
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Fiona Ma
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Assemblywoman Ma reports on planned improvements to 19th Ave. to make it safer.
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8/15/2008
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Projects emerge from deep freeze S.Fl lifts 2-year 'moratorium'
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San Francisco Business Times
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J.K. Dineen
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The result of the lift of the moratorium allows building more housing that has been waiting in the Eastern neighborhoods. As more is built in the Eastern neighborhoods, as well as changes in zoning, we think, so will go the Western neighborhoods if allowed to.
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8/1/2008
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Tracking 19th Ave. developments
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West Portal Monthly
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Supervisor Sean Elsbernd
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Supervisor Elsbernd proposes creating legislation that would take cumulative impacts of the various proposed developments on the Westside, into account. Historically, the San Francisco Building and Planning Departments have looked at projects on an individual basis, therefore, not looking at their joint impacts on a neighborhood, infrastructure, traffic and density.
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7/9/2008
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Powerful new S.F. Landmarks Board Proposed
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San Francisco Chronicle
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Robert Selna
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This may be relevant in getting historical status for the main Arden Wood Building.
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7/1/2008
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DPH Studies Eastern Neighborhoods Rezoning Plan
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Bay Area Real Estate Journal
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Brett Gladstone
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At this time, no rezoning is planned for the Western Neighborhoods, but how long will it be before they will? Anticipation of rezoning of Western Neighborhoods should be anticipated as San Francisco becomes more dense.
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6/27/2008
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Bold Vision for more density in city's western edge
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SF Business Times
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Vanessa Richardson
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Discussion about the plans for Park Merced; adding approximately 6,000 housing units over the course of the next 20 years.
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6/1/2008
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Outer Sunset to Lose John's Ocean Beach Cafe
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West of Twin Peaks Observer
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Phyllis Sherman-editor West of Twin Peaks Observer
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A commercial block across from the Zoo, containing Roberts at the Beach Motel and a commercial building containing John's Ocean Beach Cafe is in the planning stages of giving way to a new mixed use commercial and condominium development built on the site. Neighbors are in the process of fighting the height and density of the development.
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6/1/2008
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Neighbors weigh Arden Wood's current proposal
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West Portal Monthly
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Eric Castongia
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Neighbors weigh in on continuing concerns of the proposed Arden Wood development, despite developer changes to the original design.
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5/9/2008
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Builders will seek urban home deals
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San Francisco Business Times
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J.K. Dineen
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The Home Builders Association of Northern California is looking to have a San Francisco presence. They are here to support future development of higher density housing, which the city is working toward through transit corridors and the transit first policy.
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5/1/2008
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On Fame, Fortune and Principle-Dispatch from the Westside
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West of Twin Peaks Observer
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Denise LaPointe
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Denise mentions the Arden Wood development and urges neighbors to stay involved in the process to prevent a bad development from getting built.
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4/1/2008
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Mixed-use development slated for Sloat Boulevard
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West Portal Monthly
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George McConnell
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This article discussed the proposed mixed-use project at Sloat and 46th Ave. across from the Zoo.
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3/14/2008
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Stonestown welcomes grocer, mulls expansion
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San Francisco Business Times
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J.K. Dineen
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This story describes proposed development at Stonestown Shopping Center-this is expected to add traffic congestion in the area.
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3/1/2008
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Arden Wood Neighbors, Developers Closer
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West of Twin Peaks Observer
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Eric Castongia and Robert Mendelsohn
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These side by side articles were written by Eric Castongia, member of the Neighbors of Arden Wood (NOA) and Robert Mendelsohn, President of Republic Urban Properties, LLC, proposed developer of the Arden Wood property in an effort clearly delineate the concerns of the development and what is being done to answer the concerns.
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3/1/2008
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Arden Wood developer makes significant changes
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West Portal Monthly
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Eric Castongia
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This article talks about the Republic Urban Properties (RUP) workshops given to showcase RUP's changes to the proposed development to select neighbors of the project.
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3/1/2008
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Arden Wood Neighbors Object to Towers. Developers change their plans
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Fogcutter
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Eric Castongia
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This article outlines some of the changes made by the proposed developer to the project and some outstanding issues raised by neighbors.
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2/1/2008
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New S.F. condo project will be a rarity in 2008
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San Francisco Business Times
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J.K. Dineen
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Although getting financing is difficult now, interested parties need to stay on top of plans for the site to best be prepared for when financing becomes available.
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2/1/2008
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Proposed Eight-story building at Market and Buchanan Streets causing controversy
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Castro Courier
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Jaime San Felippo
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2/1/2008
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You can't always get what you want
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West of Twin Peaks Observer
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Denise LaPointe
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This is a call to action for neighbors to stay informed of the many residential developments proposed throughout the Western neighborhoods.
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2/1/2008
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New Park Merced owners unveil green expansion plan
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West Portal Monthly
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Rae Doyle
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This article talks about the proposed 6000 additional units proposed at Park Merced over the next 20 years. Units are planned to be added at each year as infrastructure changes are made. Units built will be both rentals and for-sale units.
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1/1/2008
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Towers on Wawona?
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West of Twin Peaks Observer
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Eric Castongia
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This article discusses the town hall meeting held on November 1, 2007, hosted by the Neighbors of Arden Wood (NOA) and the West of Twin Peaks Central Council (WTPCC).
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12/1/2007
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Letter to the editor by Ed Reidy
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West of Twin Peaks Observer
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Ed Reidy
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This letter to the editor is in response to an article written by Robert Mendelsohn, President of Republic Urban Properties, LLC, proposed developer for the Arden Wood property.
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12/1/2007
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Arden Wood neighbors, developer listen, learn
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West Portal Monthly
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Eric Castongia
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This article talks specifically about the town hall meeting on November 1, 2007 hosted by the Neighbors of Arden Wood (NOA) and West of Twin Peaks Central Council (WTPCC). The town hall included presentations by both NOA and Republic Urban Properties, LLC, proposed developers of the Arden Wood property. Neighbors were given a chance to ask questions and express concerns.
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11/30/2007
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San Jose developer wins art school site for housing
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San Francisco Business Times
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J.K. Dineen and Ryan Tate
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The story announces The Riding Group's acquisition of the San Francisco Unified School's site of the former art school (SOTA) near SF State. The Riding Group also developed the former Shriner's Hospital on 19th Avenue into townhomes.
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11/1/2007
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Eric Castongia Interviewed on Channel 11 News
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NBC 11 News
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Cheryl Hurd
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This is a short interview of Eric Castongia that Cheryl Hurd of NBC 11 News conducted back in late October of 2007 and then ran on November 1st - the day of the Town Hall meeting in St. Cecilia Lower Church.
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11/1/2007
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Arden Wood Project Plan Ready for a Major Step Forward
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West of Twin Peaks Observer
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Robert Mendelsohn
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This article was written by developer Robert Mendelsohn, president of Republic Urban Properties, LLC San Francisco Division; proposed developers of the property.
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11/1/2007
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High Rises in Arden Wood
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Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods Newsletter
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Rae Doyle and Eric Castongia
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This article summarizes Arden Wood, Inc.'s intent to sell the property to Republic Urban Properties, LLC, their original 'tower' scheme for the site which was wildly unpopular with the neighborhood and the outcome of the town hall meeting on November 1, 2007.
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10/26/2007
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SummerHill's boss is ready for competition
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San Francisco Business Times/San Jose Business Journal
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Sharon Simonson
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SummerHill Homes is looking to expand their business. With a project already planned in San Francisco, they could be looking for more in the future.
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10/5/2007
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Balboa BART plan on track for housing, retail
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San Francisco Business Times
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J.K. Dineen
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There are plans for 1800 housing units to be built along Ocean Ave., adding to the already aggressive plans to add housing in the area.
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10/1/2007
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Noe west
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San Francisco Magazine
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Gina Kessler
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A puff piece about West Portal. This was written at the time a 13 story building was proposed at Arden Wood. Neighbors adjacent to Arden Wood were most definitely NOT on board. No neighbor was asked to participate in this article.
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10/1/2007
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Sean Elsbernd weighing in on Arden Wood
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West of Twin Peaks Observer
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Supervisor Sean Eslbernd
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This article specifically mentions Supervisor Elsbernd's motion to send the eight house development at 15th Ave. and Wawona, to get further review, prior to approval. He also mentions that the proposed condominium development on the western side of the Arden Wood project will not be granted a categorical exemption from performing an Environmental Impact Report.
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9/19/2007
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Forget the neighbors-build away!
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San Francisco Bay Guardian
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Dan Hoyle
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This opinion piece is written specifically about a project that is proposed on Valencia Street, where neighbors are up in arms about the height and density of the project. Projects throughout the city are attracting attention and forcing neighbors to take a stand on what is ok and what is not, in their neighborhoods.
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9/1/2007
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A message from the President of GWPNA
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Fogcutter
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Bruce Engel
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This intro letter from the President of the Greater West Portal Neighborhood Association (GWPNA), states that members have stated that the outcome of the proposed Arden Wood project is important to them. GWPNA has had presentations by both the Neighbors of Arden Wood (NOA) and the proposed developer, Robert Mendelsohn of Republic Urban Properties, LLC.
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9/1/2007
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Arden Wood Neighbors file discretional [ary] review on Phase I
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Fogcutter
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Rae Doyle
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This article is about neighbors adjacent to the 8 new home development at the corner of 15th Ave. and Wawona filing for a discretionary review of the project. The discretionary review was heard by the Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Elsbernd recommended that the project be sent back for additional review-for a traffic study.
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8/24/2007
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County, cities to tackle housing as regional problem
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SF Business Times
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Amanda Bishop
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An article talking about how counties are thinking about building housing on a regional basis rather than by city, in situations where some cities may be less amenable/slow to build new developments.
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8/23/2007
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SF spike in fatal accidents brings crackdown on safety violations
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San Francisco Chronicle
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Rachel Gordon
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This article talks about how dangerous many of the high-traffic corridors are to pedestrians in San Francisco, and calls special attention to 19th Ave & Sloat - only 300 feet from the proposed entrance/exit for the 160+ unit complex planned for the Arden Wood property.
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7/15/2007
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Arden Wood may be a boon for West Portal
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San Francisco Chronicle
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Fred Martin
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There are positives and negatives for the proposed development being built in the neighborhood. Neighbors want what is built to be sensitive to the neighborhood history, character and architecture.
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7/8/2007
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Arden Wood neighbors respond
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San Francisco Chronicle
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Burr, Castongia, Hewitt, Shanahan, Lutz
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The Chronicle published three "Letters to Real Estate" in direct repsonse to the Larry D. Hatfield article published the previous week.
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6/27/2007
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Neighbors win against housing plan in an appeals ruling
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San Francisco Chronicle
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Bob Egelko
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This was a challenge to the San Francisco General plan which would have created higher density. This is of particular importance on the Western side of the city which is historically more 'suburban'.
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6/26/2007
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Neighbors win against housing plan in an appeals ruling
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San Francisco Chronicle
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Bob Egelko
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This was a challenge to the San Francisco General plan which would have created higher density. This is of particular importance on the Western side of the city which is historically more 'suburban'.
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