Sun, 31 May 2009 22:43:00
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| Article by:
Mark Portuondo
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In March 2007, the Japantown Better Neighborhood Project was initiated as a response to three major changes affecting the Nihonmachi area.
With the sale of five large properties in the heart of Japantown (including two malls of Japan Center and the Kabuki Theatre), the passing of the Geary Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Project and the Redevelopment Agency shifting 11 blocks of Japantown back into the general jurisdiction of the city, community leaders, in conjunction with the mayors office, realized that measures must be taken to preserve the culture of the neighborhood and the community.
Since then, the planning department staff, the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan steering committee and the Japantown Task Force have worked and consulted with community groups in developing a comprehensive plan that will secure Nihonmachi’s future while also maintaining its vibrant history.
During the last of two community town hall meetings held in April, the Japantown Task Force and the planning department presented their recommendations and sought feedback from the community. Seven category recommendations were presented and later submitted to be integrated into the general plan. On May 16, the Japantown Better Neighborhood Plan May 2009 Draft was presented for public review.
The plan stresses that keeping the cultural character and resources that make Japantown special is critical. In order to identify, maintain and enhance the cultural character and resources, as well as keeping in line with city and neighborhood guidelines, the plan has developed four overarching goals that will be open for review and commentary.
The goals are to secure Nihonmachi’s future as:
• The historical and cultural heart of the Japanese and Japanese-American community;
• A thriving commercial and retail district;
• A home to residents and community-based institutions;
• A physically attractive and vibrant environment.
To read the complete draft of the plan, which covers such topics as land use recommendations, crime prevention measures, building design modifications and open space designs, visit the planning department’s Web site at www.sfgov.org/site/planning_index.asp?id=57149.
To learn more about the measures, an informatory meeting will be held June 4. The draft plan will be then be presented to the planning commission for endorsement on June 25. All meetings will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the commission chambers, Room 400, San Francisco City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place. Community members are encouraged to attend the meetings and express opinions on the recommendations. Check the planning department’s Web site as the date nears, as times are subject to change.
For those unable to attend the meetings or who have questions, they can learn more about the plan and make inquiries at the Japantown Planning Room from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Thursday and 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday or contact Rosemary Dudley at (415) 575-9068 and schedule a different time.
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