The San Francisco Planning Commission voted Thursday afternoon against the arrival of a franchise pilates studio on Valencia Street.
All commissioners but Amy Campbell voted to deny a permit for Club Pilates, pointing to the nearly 20 concerned neighbors and business owners who spoke in opposition of the Southern California chain with 1,200 studios globally.
Valencia merchants said that allowing Club Pilates on the corridor would hurt small businesses trying to compete with a franchise this large.
They added that opening the door to one chain would mean possibly opening the door to others, incentivizing landlords to wait for higher bidders to rent commercial spaces on Valencia.
Lastly, chains on Valencia Street do not align with the aesthetics and uniqueness merchants have fought so hard to preserve for decades, they said.
“It’s about building a brand on Valencia and taking it out into the world. It’s not taking a national brand or international brand and bringing it to Valencia,” said Ron Elder, a Valencia neighbor of 20 years and the owner of Hi-Hat at 1432 Valencia St.
San Francisco’s planning code requires formula retail — businesses with more than 11 locations and at least two “standardized features” like same color, signage, uniforms or trademark — to obtain a conditional-use permit to open a business in the Valencia commercial corridor.
Applicants Carrie Wu and CJ Liu — who already own Club Pilates studios in Diamond Heights and Mountain View, and have secured permits to open in NoPa — hoped to persuade the commissioners that, despite qualifying as a formula retail, their business was to operate independently from Club Pilates because, as franchisees, they have the control over operations.
The studio, they said, would create local jobs and serve local customers who have to travel to their Diamond Heights location.
Wu and Liu’s arguments did not convince the most commissioners, but made commissioner Campbell question why the permit was being denied if formula retail on Valencia Street is allowed, even if it means obtaining a conditional use.
“If formula retail is not something we want to see on this corridor, then we should add it to the list of districts that do not allow formula retail and change the rules of the road,” said Campbell. “That would be my recommendation.”
Wu and Liu can appeal the commissioners decision to the Board of Supervisors.
The denial of this conditional use permit is simply absurd.
So do vacant store fronts align with the aesthetics and uniqueness merchants have fought so hard to preserve for decades?
Some storefronts are vacant because building owners are hoping for a chain store, as happened with this one. Neighborhood business owners had been asked about this vacant spot, but the owner declined to consider small business owners, asking high rent from this big chain.
Your data for your observation…?
Under 20 “concerned” (i.e. rich with time to spare) neighbors and business owners spoke against it and got their way. Oligarchy in action.
The city is running a deficit left and right, and they refuse to support the franchise business and collect tax revenue. I guess it’s better to have empty storefronts, filthy streets full of fentanyl, and human feces, instead of businesses with health benefits that would contribute to the city’s comeback! Maybe the business needs to be rebranded to be run by illegal street workers or transgender youth, and not only will it get approved, but they will fund it with taxpayers’ dollars! Go progressives!
Currents gift shop on Valencia was one of the best little independent home housewares/bath products/gifts & toy stores in the city. Lost their lease when the landlady passed away, another member of her family jacked up the rent and Baggu put in a “shop” for $14,000 a month or some ridiculous sum. For what? The bags sure can be cute but it was a big loss for the neighborhood and Baguu does most of their business online anyways. I’m glad to see a large chain, franchised or not, lose out on this one. Please make the rent affordable enough so something cool and locally owned could make that their space. Cry me a river w the “poor landlord HAS to charge exorbitant rents” line.
Good
Won’t be long before this goes to the BoS and Jackie Fielder rejects this and punts on her own constituents yet again. The only character the Mission seems to be open to is unauthorized street vendors and empty storefronts.
This is a victory for independent businesses, for vibrant neighborhoods, for the unique character that businesses, residents AND visitors all love. Valencia Street is the longest stretch of independent businesses in the country. We love living here. https://www.visitvalenciastreet.com/history
And nothing of value was lost
Oscar,
Another victory for Matt Gonzalez.
He was the one who did the first ordinance blocking chain stores from his D-5 and the iconic Haight Street.
I asked him why he hadn’t gone for the entire City and he said it wouldn’t pass but that the other supes would follow til the entire City was covered and he was right.
He was the one who got you motorcycle riders their City wide parking.
He gave voter/taxpayers voices by giving legislative branch (BOS) representation on all major commissions leaving Willie with only a one vote majority appointment power for Planning and Police and Elections and Building Inspections and others and he’ll be on a special panel at Manny’s November 1st from two til five pm.
That’s teaser for the Hillis/Haslett production of ‘Cheap Rent’.
Starring me and Gavin Newsom and Jens Nielsen and linda laflamme.
go Niners !!
h.
I’m not sure what you are referring to in regards to Matt Gonzalez and motorcycle parking. His resolution to allow MC parking on sidewalks had been rejected.