The project sponsors of the proposed WF 365 at Jackson and Polk Streets were invited to present their project at the March 2016 DZLU meeting. (Opponents of this project had presented their views at the February 2016 DZLU meeting.)
1600 JACKSON STREET/WHOLE FOODS 365
Rob Twyman, Regional President Whole Foods Markets
Adam Smith, Construction & Development, Whole Foods Markets
Mr. Twyman started by describing the WF 365 concept of smaller stores with fewer selections of merchandise, which will include less expensive private label items — more of a value shop of organic products. Their first store is should open in Los Angles in May, followed by three more WF 365 stores to open prior to the Polk/Jackson location. The 1600 Jackson building is two levels above garage, approximately 20,000 square feet per level. WF 365 plans to use the first floor for retail, with the possibility of making the top level available for community purposes. The store hours will be 8AM to 10PM. The building has 74 parking spaces, with the possibility of making them available for neighborhood parking after hours. Twyman stressed that WF 365 has met with and is willing to work with other merchants in the neighborhood to agree not to carry certain competitive products. WF 365 will feature their 365 brand of products as well as other items at lower prices than at traditional Whole Foods markets.
Many neighbors have concerns about traffic; WF 365 will mitigate congestion by scheduling fewer deliveries, approximately seven per day, at non-peak hours, mostly via smaller trucks. Deliveries by large trucks will be limited to five times per week. In addition, the professional traffic study, currently underway, and EIR (Environmental Impact Report) will help determine the best method of dealing with possible parking lot back-ups, which may require parking directors controlling the flow. The option of partnering with a home delivery service is being considered.
Since signing a lease in October 2015 and filing their application with the City in November, WF has hosted community meetings and spoken to various neighborhood groups, other merchants, etc. They expect to employ around 100 people at that store (60-70% full time, 40-30% part time) at slightly above the minimum wage.
Mr. Twyman indicated that there seems to be growing support for the project among neighbors and he requested that, if RHN is willing, it send letters of support to Planner Carly Grob at the SF Planning Department and to the Board of Supervisors Land Use Committee.
Some have suggested that a mixed-use development be built on this site, with residential units above retail. Mr. Twyman responded that although Whole Foods has certainly done that successfully at other locations, they are pursuing that stand-alone store that exists and the required Conditional Use permit. The property owner, Village Properties, would have to decide if it wishes to tear down the existing structure and construct a new building on the site.
DZLU held an intense discussion following the WF 365 representatives’ departure, hearing each committee member’s recommendations. It was concluded that the neighborhood wants a full-service grocery within walking distance; most of the debate was whether it would be better to have said market occupy the existing building, quickly with little construction, or the possibility (with no guarantee) to have new housing with a market below, requiring additional parking and likely long entitlements and construction times.
DZLU finally and unanimously determined to recommend to the RHN Board to approve the currently proposed project and send letters of support. Gregg Carr volunteered to draft the letter to our supervisors and to Planning which DZLU will recommend for RHN Board support at its April meeting.
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REQUEST FOR BOARD ACTION:
After hearing from both project opponents and the project sponsors, and considering the many points made by each side, DZLU requests that the RHN Board support the proposed WF 365 at 1600 Jackson Street at Polk (site of the former Lombardi’s Sports) and send letters in favor to SF Planning and the BOS Land Use Committee.
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Other projects discussed, include:
1023 Vallejo (1917 Julia Morgan Home)
Since the property owners, through their attorney, have not granted DZLU access to the site, but have requested to present, off-site, to DZLU at our June 2015 meeting, it was decided to invite them to present at our June 2015 meeting.
1338 Filbert Cottages
The developers welcomed DZLU members to tour the cottages on Saturday 03-19-2016 to see the progress on this project.
Inclusionary Housing Bonus Program
As requested by DZLU, the RHN Board has sent a letter requesting more information, including clarifying possible sites, process and impacts.
Supervisor Peskin’s Introduction of Legislation banning “Formula Retail” on Polk Street
Since this proposed legislation could have a major impact on our neighborhood serving existing and future business DZLU will continue to follow this issue.
852 Green Street (Taylor/Mason)
Vertical addition, adding 3rd floor. DZLU decided at this time no action need be taken.
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