Dogpatch residents demand compliance from owners of neglected 945 Minnesota property

The San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission convened on July 4, 2025, to address ongoing concerns regarding a dilapidated property at 945 Minnesota Street, which has been a source of frustration for the Dogpatch neighborhood. The meeting began with public comments, where Catherine Demaney from the Dogpatch Neighborhood Association presented a packet detailing the community's grievances about the property, including allegations of disingenuous permitting practices and a history of code violations dating back to 2017.

Demaney emphasized the deteriorating condition of the building, which has been exposed to the elements and has become a hazard. She urged the commission to require the property owner to comply with proposed plans and called for a review of the permitting process to prevent future violations. Another resident, Spencer Gosh, echoed these concerns, requesting that the property be returned to the planning department to ensure compliance with rear yard requirements.

Following public comments, Commissioner Foley expressed frustration over the situation, acknowledging the challenges faced by the neighborhood and the planning department. The commission learned that the property is currently bank-owned, with Keenan Howard from Keenan Howard Realty representing Wilmington Trust, the bank that owns the property.

The planning department outlined eight conditions of approval for the project, which include requirements for maintaining the building's condition, submitting construction schedules, and conducting assessments for water damage. The commission discussed the importance of monitoring the property closely to prevent further deterioration and ensure compliance with the established conditions.

Commissioner Wright raised concerns about the timeline for the project's completion and the need for regular updates to the neighborhood association. Enforcement planner Vincent Page assured the commission that penalties would be applied if the property owner failed to comply with the conditions, with fines potentially reaching $1,000 per day for non-compliance.

The commission unanimously approved the project with the outlined conditions, emphasizing the need for ongoing communication between the property owner, the planning department, and the Dogpatch community. The meeting concluded with a call for vigilance from the neighborhood association to ensure that the concerns raised are addressed as the project progresses.