Francisco Heights Neighbors Say College Dormitory Illegal

By Meg Dixit

At the corner of Anza and Almaden streets in the Inner Richmond District's Francisco Heights neighborhood, dwell 13 young men, ages 18 - 24, who are students of Campion College, a two-year, non-accredited Catholic institution. But their neighbors are not too thrilled with them being there.

"I don't know how to explain to the men why folks just pass them by on the streets and don't return their greetings," said Patrick Summerhays, president of the home called Soladity of St. Joseph. He said the men are used to a friendlier environment.

"I do speak to the residents and tell them that the issue we have is not them, but the use of the house that they are occupying," said Libby Benedict, vice president of the Francisco Heights Civic Association (FHCA).

The neighborhood group is complaining that Soladity is violating the neighborhood's current zoning ordinance, which states that only five unrelated people can live in a single-family home.

"If they get an exemption, then others will be entitled to the same exemption and the entire neighborhood will change drastically," Benedict said. A notice of violation was sent by the SF Planning Commission to Soladity Sept. 4, 2002 and then again in October of the same year. Soladity is now asking the SF Board of Appeals to grant them an exemption.

"The house was purchased for over a million dollars and they have put a lot of money in fixing it up. For example, they have added many small rooms to the basement, which is as long as the house," Benedict said, expressing that she feels Soladity will fight for an exemption.

Guadalupe Associates own the house and Soladity is leasing it. Mark Breumley, president of Guadalupe Associates, said they had a meeting to mingle with neighbors but no one came.

"Soladity wanted to explain their curriculum and share the successes of their community outreach programs, but the meeting was comprised of just ourselves," he said. Jonas Ionin, city Planner, said that changing the zoning code from RH-1 to RH-2 would not be difficult, if permitted. "RH-2 allows dwelling for 10 people or more and already exists near the vicinity in question," he said.

Suzanne Kelly, an attorney with the San Francisco law firm of David Sincotta, who is representing Soladity, said that they do respect the notice of violation, but want to examine the alternatives available to them to retain the current living situation.

"We are currently working with the building and planning department to determine use and definition of the planning code, and if we need a permit, we will file for one," she said.

The Board of Appeals will decide on the fate of the current living situation at 970 Anza St. That meeting is scheduled for April.

Campion College offers programs in Catholic liberal arts, and a "great books" curriculum. It offers a single degree: Catholic Humanities.