Gwen Caplan addresses small business survival concerns in San Francisco's Mission District

The recent government meeting in San Francisco highlighted significant concerns regarding the challenges faced by small businesses, particularly in the Mission District. Gwen Caplan, a local resident and advocate, emphasized the ongoing struggles of small businesses over the past two decades, calling for urgent action to support their survival amid redevelopment efforts.

Caplan pointed out that while high-rise developments in the Mission were intended to include small businesses, many of these projects have failed to deliver on that promise. She expressed her frustration over the lack of parking in newly developed family-friendly housing, which she argued makes it difficult for families to navigate the city, especially when raising children.

The discussion also touched on the planning department's revised estimates regarding the potential impact on storefronts, which were lowered to 10 closures per year from an earlier projection of 188. Caplan cautioned that even a lower number could lead to significant displacement over the next decade, urging the Small Business Commission to take proactive measures to mitigate these effects.

Additionally, Caplan shared her observations from visits to 25 development sites on Market Street and Ocean Avenue, revealing that over half of these locations had storefront vacancies. She noted that a substantial portion of these vacancies were due to buildings that had never been leased, raising concerns about the viability of these developments for small businesses.

The meeting underscored the critical need for policies that prioritize the inclusion of small businesses in urban development plans, as well as the importance of addressing the parking and accessibility issues that affect families in San Francisco. The discussions reflect a growing awareness of the challenges faced by local businesses and the need for collaborative solutions to ensure their sustainability in the changing urban landscape.