Commission continues Polk Street cannabis-and-wellness proposal after neighborhood concerns

The Planning Commission on Feb. 6 continued consideration of a conditional use authorization for Mad River Wellness, a proposed cannabis retail and personal‑service center at 1735 Polk Street, directing applicants to return with clearer operational plans, renderings and additional neighborhood outreach.

Bridget Hicks of the Planning Department presented the proposal as a change of use in the Polk Street Neighborhood Commercial District. The application — submitted by an equity applicant working with the city’s Office of Cannabis — would convert a ground‑floor restaurant space (about 4,200 sq. ft.) into a retail outlet with an interior lobby and security checkpoint, and a program of wellness services the sponsor described as yoga, counseling and holistic nutrition. Staff noted nine letters of support and four letters of opposition and recommended approval with a condition that any later request to add on‑site smoking or vaporizing (a Type C consumption permit) be subject to neighborhood notification per Planning Code §311 and applicable health‑code requirements.

During public comment, neighbors and stakeholders expressed divided views. Supporters emphasized equity and diversified cannabis offerings; critics including parents and the local business improvement district president raised concerns about proximity to daycares and a proposed nearby indoor playground, the scale of the proposed retail space, and the operational mix of retail, massage and on‑site services.

Commissioners focused on operational details: mixed‑use sequencing (retail versus personal services), ingress/egress and assembly limits, HVAC/exhaust for any consumption, and the adequacy of prior community outreach. Several commissioners said they wanted clearer renderings showing how the finished storefront would present to neighbors and asked the applicants to meet again with neighborhood groups and refine their business plan and floor plans.

Commissioner Johnson moved to continue the item so the sponsor could address those requests and commit to further neighborhood dialogue; Commissioners Moore and Diamond supported a short continuance. The commission directed the applicant to return with renderings, clearer operational plans for concurrent uses, evidence of additional outreach, and clarification around hours and any potential consumption. The continuance was calendared for March 19 to allow for full commission participation.