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Historic Preservation Commission adds five businesses to Legacy Business Registry amid testimony on evictions and displacement
Summary
The commission unanimously approved five Legacy Business Registry applications (Babylon Burning Screen Printing; The Mindful Body; The Plow and Stars; Slims; The Lab SF). Owners and directors described financial pressure, evictions and rent increases; staff said registry recognition and a small grants program may help but legal limits restrict commercial eviction control.
At its Feb. 7, 2018 hearing the San Francisco Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved five Legacy Business Registry nominations, with staff recommending full support for each application.
Shelley Caltagirone, preservation staff, presented summaries and recommended character-defining features where applicable for Babylon Burning Screen Printing (founded by Steve Patton; bulk plastisol screen printing), The Mindful Body (wellness studio opened in 1994), The Plow and Stars (Irish pub and live music venue opened in 1975), Slims (longstanding South of Market music venue), and The Lab SF (a nonprofit arts organization in the Redstone Building, formerly the San Francisco Labor Temple, landmark no. 238). "Staff is recommending approval of all five," Caltagirone said during the slide presentation.
Several applicants and owners spoke in support during public comment. Dennis Suarez, operations manager for Slims, recounted changes in SoMa and urged that the legacy program help keep Slims as a cultural and musical venue: "I'm hoping ... Slims will remain there and be a cultural and musical icon," Suarez said. Mike Lynch, owner of Babylon Burning, thanked staff and described decades of local ties alongside current financial struggles amid neighborhood change. Dina Beard, director of The Lab, said the organization has been evicted and that the landlord is seeking to sell the labor temple building, urging recognition to help secure the Lab's future.
Commissioners asked whether legacy recognition could prevent eviction. Caltagirone said registry recognition and a separate grant program through the Office of Small Business might assist financially but that grants could not be approved on the short timeframe. Director Grama explained the city is limited by state law from controlling commercial rent increases or instituting commercial rent control; however, staff are coordinating with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development on support programs.
Commissioner Miley Seiver (The Mindful Body) testified that her lease was expiring and that her landlord had proposed a 50 percent rent increase; she said the studio employs about 60 people and pleaded for help to remain in the community.
A motion to support the five legacy business applications was made, seconded and approved in a unanimous roll-call vote, 6–0. Commissioners also discussed future identity and marketing tools (a plaque/logo and promotional products) staff expects to present by April or May.
