Planning commission approves Nordstrom Local at 1919 Fillmore over residents’ objections; vote 5‑2

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Thursday approved a conditional use authorization allowing Nordstrom Local to occupy 1919 Fillmore Street, a decision that drew sharp public opposition from neighborhood groups and transit advocates.

The commission voted 5‑2 to approve the application with conditions. The roll call recorded votes as: Campbell (yes), McGarry (yes), Braun (yes), Imperial (yes), Commission President So (yes); Williams (no), Moore (no). Commissioner Campbell moved the approval; the motion was seconded and carried.

What the project is: Nordstrom Local is a small‑footprint neighborhood hub offering services such as order pickup, returns, alterations and clothing donations rather than a full department store. Jacqueline Gamble, Nordstrom’s director of selling programs, told the commission the Fillmore location was chosen for its “vibrant retail environment, strong foot traffic, and proximity to public transit,” and that roughly half of the store’s customers would live within a 10–15 minute walk.

Opposition from neighbors and merchants: Dozens of speakers — including residents, merchants and the Pacific Heights Residents Association — urged denial. Speakers highlighted repeated double‑parking and delivery blockages on Fillmore Street, and several urged the commission to prioritize uses that rely less on curbside pickup or short‑term parking. Transit riders and advocates urged the commission to consider impacts on the 22 Fillmore bus line; Lisa Platt, a daily rider, said double‑parked vehicles cause the route to “bunch” and turn a seven‑minute headway into longer waits.

Community groups and merchants raised these main concerns: - Curb and curb‑lane congestion: opposing speakers said the block already has frequent delivery trucks and…