2065 Oakdale Ave, Berkeley Farms Building Demo Hearing

My friend Dan asked me to post this on his behalf:

As your neighbor and fellow property owner, I was surprised by the recent, almost overnight demolition of the nearby Berkeley Farms Distribution site warehouses at 2065 Oakdale. In researching the permit for this project, I became aware that the applicant filed an ‘over the counter’ permit for an ‘alteration’ of the building, citing as a work description: ‘remove deteriorated vacant warehouse building; existing building to remain’.

In addition to demolishing two buildings entirely, the applicant failed to provide a safe protection of the sidewalk area- known as a ‘sidewalk encroachment permit’; adequate street area pedestrian access required during demolition; adequate airborne dust and or debris mitigation during the demolition; notification of the demolition; failure to provide a permit for the construction of the new 10’, barbed-wire topped fencing, etc.. The scope of work clearly exceeds the stated and inadequate ‘alterations’ and required a full demolition permit and related requirements, in my opinion.
As several neighbors were very concerned and dismayed by these actions, specifically the health and safety concerns; the lack of property demolition permitting procedures; the loss of the historic signage, I have filed formal complaints with the Department of Public Works –Street Use and Mapping; The Department of Building Inspection; and have filed for a hearing at the Board of Permit Appeals.

The hearing date for the appeal is:
5:00pm December 5th, 2012 in Room 416, City Hall, San Francisco.

Would you be willing to join me in speaking and/or showing your concern over this demolition and the inadequacy of the permit filed for the work now completed? Alternately, as concerned neighbors and property owners, would you attach your name to a letter which outlines some of the violations present, or be prepared to compose your own letter in this regard? These letters are due by November 28th at the address below. I can provide the joint letter for your signature this week. Please let me know how to reach you.

For direct correspondence to the Board of Permit Appeals, kindly send your letters to:

Board of Appeals 
1650 Mission Street, Room 304 
San Francisco, California 94103

Ref: Appeal No: 12-130 ; BVOHP vs. DBI,PDA ; 2065 Oakdale Avenue 
Application No:    2012/10/09/1608    Alteration

Please let me know if you will join me at the hearing; draft a personal letter of protest; sign a group letter as concerned neighbors. Kindly also cc: me on your correspondence to the BPA. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions, concerns or request for any additional information on this issue.

Dan Dodt
415 822 3007
dodt@mac.com