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Commission authorizes RFP for Pier 33.5 retail space aimed at San Francisco small businesses
Summary
The Port Commission approved issuance of an RFP for a turnkey retail opportunity at Pier 33 North ("Pier 33.5") targeted to local small businesses and community-based organizations; staff will form a community selection panel and hold an open house. Public commenters urged flexibility on LBE term requirements.
The Port Commission authorized staff to issue a request for proposals for retail space at Pier 33 North (referred to as "Pier 33.5") intended to give San Francisco-based small businesses and community organizations a turnkey retail opportunity on the Embarcadero.
Susan Reynolds of the Real Estate Department described outreach to community partners and the plan for a community selection review panel to ensure a diverse pool of local applicants. "With the approval of this RFP, we will issue the RFP, hold an open house for anyone that wants to come and visit and see what the opportunity looks like," Reynolds said.
Public commenters, including Regina Deggendrese of the Office of Small Business and Matthew Thomas of the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce, urged broad outreach and said the opportunity would help address long-term gaps in minority-business presence on the piers. Mark Bailey of Hayes Valley Bakeworks asked the commission to consider shortening an LBE operating-history requirement from three years to a shorter pilot term (six to 12 months) to align with city practice and help very small vendors compete.
Commissioners praised the outreach and said they expect a strong applicant pool; the commission approved Resolution 14-24 on a voice vote.
Next steps: staff will issue the RFP, convene an open house and assemble a community selection panel; a recommendation will return to the commission after proposals are reviewed.
