The City of San Francisco held a meeting on July 4, 2025, to discuss a contentious building permit application for a project in the Bayview neighborhood. The proposal involves demolishing existing non-residential structures to establish a cannabis cultivation and retail facility, including an on-site consumption lounge and light manufacturing for non-volatile organic compound (non-VOC) products such as teas, candies, and lotions.

The application has faced significant opposition from local residents, spearheaded by the nonprofit group Better Housing Policies (BHP), which filed a discretionary review request. This request included petitions signed by 241 residents from nearby apartment complexes, expressing concerns about potential increases in crime, gentrification, and the project's proximity to a public park and youth facility. Residents argue that the project disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, including seniors and low-income families.

During the meeting, the Planning Department presented its recommendation to approve the project, citing that the proposed uses are permitted under the M1 zoning district. The department noted that the project would replace an unenclosed temporary automotive use and included a color-coded floor plan in the hearing packet.

Community members voiced their opposition, emphasizing the need for safer, more supportive community resources rather than cannabis-related businesses. They highlighted the area's struggles with crime and the desire for services such as tutoring, health clinics, and recreational programs. BHP representatives criticized the project's lack of community engagement and transparency, claiming that the developers failed to adequately communicate with residents during the planning process.

The meeting also featured public comments, with six in support of the project and two opposed, including a statement from the San Francisco Community Empowerment Center. The Planning Department's cannabis specialist was present to address specific policy questions.

As the meeting concluded, the commission was urged to consider alternative proposals that would limit the project's scope, such as removing the consumption lounge and retail components, and to implement measures that would benefit the local community. The outcome of the discretionary review remains pending, with further discussions anticipated in future meetings.