Committee backs expansion and clarification of Castro–Upper Market entertainment zone

The Rules Committee voted to forward an ordinance to the full Board that clarifies the boundaries of an existing Castro–Upper Market Entertainment Zone and affirms the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

President Mandelmann said the legislation experienced “a windier road” than anticipated and that a substantive amendment to the zone map was made at a previous hearing; he asked the committee to forward the item with a positive recommendation.

The ordinance describes the zone boundaries by street segments — including 18th Street between Diamond and Sanchez, Castro Street between 19th and State Street, Market Street between Collingwood and Church, and several other blocks in the Upper Market and Castro area — and seeks to clarify the existing entertainment-zone footprint.

A representative of a neighborhood restaurant, Leilani Powers of Star Belly, told the committee she supports expansion of the zone to include more of the Castro neighborhood, saying the Castro Night Market brings patrons from across the Bay Area and would provide “new exposure” for local businesses.

A different public commenter spoke generally about homelessness and tourism; that comment was not specific to the ordinance text. After public comment, the committee voted to send the item to the full Board with a positive recommendation; recorded votes were Member Mandelmann, aye; Chair Cheryl, aye; Walton excused.

The ordinance will proceed to the full Board for consideration, including the map amendment President Mandelmann referenced at the prior hearing.