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West Portal Community Benefit District fails after narrow majority protest; merchants and neighbors split
Summary
A Department of Elections tally announced on Sept. 27 showed 48.92% of weighted ballots in favor and 51.08% opposed to the proposed West Portal Community Benefit District, triggering a majority protest and blocking formation of the district.
A public hearing at the Sept. 27 San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting resulted in a majority protest that blocked formation of the proposed West Portal Community Benefit District (CBD).
Why it mattered: The CBD would have levied property assessments for 13 years to fund cleaning, street greening, benches and other small public-space improvements along West Portal Avenue. Proponents — largely merchants and property owners — argued assessments were modest and necessary to maintain and revitalize the district. Opponents questioned the 13-year term, assessment levels and the adequacy of outreach.
What happened at the hearing
Board members opened a public hearing and accepted an amendment from Supervisor Elsburn removing two parcels (reducing covered parcels from 84 to 82). The board adopted that technical amendment before hearing testimony.
Merchants and supporters who spoke included Matt Rogers of Pappenhausen Hardware, who said he had “been active on the street with a merchant organization, for well over 20 years,” and Mario McGannum, who said West Portal has “gone both ways” and needs revitalization. Several small business owners and neighborhood residents testified in favor.
Opponents included property owner Mark Pasquini, who said a 13-year term was “entirely too long,” and others who said they had not been adequately notified. Testimony raised concerns about assessment growth, pass-throughs to tenants and insufficient outreach to some owners.
Ballot tabulation and result
After public testimony the Department of Elections completed a weighted tally of property ballots. The clerk announced that returned weighted ballots in favor totaled 48.92% and those opposed totaled 51.08%, constituting a majority protest under the applicable law. The clerk read the tabulation into the record.
Board action after the tally
Following the announcement, Supervisor Ellsburn moved to table the matter; the motion was seconded and the board voted to table the item.
Ending
The majority protest ends formation under the city’s assessment-district rules unless proponents return with a revised proposal that addresses the concerns raised during the hearing: term length, assessment structure and outreach to property owners.
