Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves Flower Mart development agreement on first reading as vendors, developer finalize details
Summary
The Board approved a development agreement and planning-code changes for the Central SoMa Flower Mart project on first reading, with parties agreeing to finalize remaining tri‑party documents and vendor protections before second reading.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved on first reading the development agreement and planning code changes related to the future redevelopment of the San Francisco Flower Mart on Dec. 17, with the vote recorded as 10–0 (one member excused). The item requires the developer to either restore the wholesale flower market on Brandon Street after construction or secure and build a turnkey off‑site replacement before commencing primary construction.
Office of Economic and Workforce Development staff told the board they negotiated two possible scenarios to preserve the wholesale flower operation: scenario A would return the mart to its Brandon Street site after construction; scenario B would require the developer to secure an alternative permanent location, complete a turnkey facility with required loading/parking and tenant improvements, and deliver that facility before any major construction of the primary project can begin.
Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who had pressed for stronger protections for vendors, asked the parties to ensure vendor rights to petition government and speak to the press are preserved; county legal staff and Kilroy representatives said language that had raised concerns (what supporters called a gag clause) was removed that afternoon and the flower mart representatives confirmed they were conceptually in agreement but still finalizing documents.
Key provisions and commitments: The development agreement clarifies build‑out specifications for a permanent replacement facility, requires a temporary interim facility and lease if scenario A is chosen, creates a San Francisco Flower Mart legacy business fund funded by project impact fees under scenario B, and directs $200,000 per year for 10 years to enhanced street‑cleaning in SoMa (total $2,000,000) to be administered in consultation with District 6.
Vote and next steps: The board approved the ordinance and accompanying development agreement on first reading as amended; supervisors and parties agreed the remaining tri‑party documentation must be finalized before the item's second reading in January. Supervisors said they would expect final executed documents to be filed with the clerk in advance of final passage.
Authorities and legal instruments: The vote approved a development agreement and associated planning‑code amendments implementing the Central SoMa plan allocations and the item includes an exhibit with vendor buildout specifications and a declaration of restrictions tied to the post‑development lease.
Ending: Supervisors said the city will monitor execution of the vendor protections and contingency steps; Kilroy and the Flower Mart vendors said they intend to finalize and sign the remaining documents before second reading.
