Download the Environmental Assessment of the impact of the proposed research lab here.

I’m pleased to report we have achieved a small victory for the Lands End neighborhood, although the battle is far from over. On December 14, the Complaint filed by PAR (the Planning Association of the Richmond) and FOLE (Friends of Lands End) against the San Francisco VAMC regarding a planned research lab was stayed, pending completion of an environmental assessment by the SF VAMC.

What this means: We have an opportunity to open a dialogue with the SF VAMC about future plans to develop this 29-acre campus adjoining the Outer Richmond and national park land at the edge of our city.

That environmental assessment is now complete and available. We now until Februray 15, 2007 to review it and provide comments.

PAR, FOLE and our attorney are reviewing the EA for a legal response. But it is also critical that as many people as possible who care about the impact of planned longterm development at the VAMC campus. This development will add more than 400,000 square feet of built-out space, effectively doubling amount of build-out on the campus. Think: more people, more cars (less parking), more noise, more emmissions, more light.

Here is what you can do:

1. Get your own copy of the environmental assessment.

This assessment is limited to the proposed research lab and improvements to the main SF VAMC building, Building 203. It does not addres the longterm environmental effects of development in the next 5 years (through 2012).

You can download the Environmental Assessment from the FOLE.org website.

You can also get a copy from Dirk. W. Minnema, 415.750.2010 or from the VAMC Engineering Office (415.750.2009), Building 3, Room 19 between 8 am and 3 pm.

Copies are also available at the Anza branch and Main branches of the SF Public Library.

2. Commit to write a letter to express your opinion about the current proposal and to urge the San Francisco VAMC to conduct an environmental assessment of its longterm development plans on the community, the adjacent City and National Park lands, and our veterans.

Comments must be postmarket no later than Thursday, February 15, 2007.

Address comments to

Dirk W. Minnema
San Francisco VAMC
4150 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 750-2010

Send copies to

Julie Burns
Friends of Lands End
3755 Balboa Street, #201
San Francisco, CA 94121

PAR (Planning Association of the Richmond)
3145 Geary Blvd., #205
San Francisco CA 94118

3. Tell your friends and neighbors about this opportunity to impact the scope and scale of development in the Lands End area of San Francisco.

Let your associates who care about the quality of life in the Outer Richmond and the Lands End area of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, our own San Francisco national park know the time is now.

The clock is ticking…