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Planning Commission approves Whole Foods for City Center amid heated labor debate
Summary
After hours of public testimony both for and against, the Planning Commission approved a conditional use authorization allowing Whole Foods to occupy the former Best Buy space at City Center; the 6-1 vote followed extensive public comment from labor groups opposed to the company's labor record and neighborhood supporters citing jobs and grocery access.
After extended public comment and deliberation, the Planning Commission on June 25 approved a conditional use authorization to allow a Whole Foods Market to occupy the large vacant retail space at City Center (Gary Boulevard). The motion passed 6 to 1, with Commission President Koppel voting no.
Mark Loper, representing Whole Foods, told the commission the company expects to create 152 store jobs (many to be San Francisco residents), use union construction labor on the buildout where possible, and partner with the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center to recruit 30% of store…
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