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Boxcar Theater asks San Francisco Planning Commission to lift alley curfew as neighbors report ongoing alley nuisances
Summary
Operators of Boxcar Theater sought removal of an 8:30 p.m. alley curfew attached to their conditional use authorization, saying security and cleanup measures have improved; alley residents told the Planning Commission that noise, smoking and late use persist and asked for more time to negotiate. The commission directed staff to return with an informational follow-up.
The San Francisco Planning Commission heard an informational update April 6 on the conditional use authorization for Boxcar Theater, 644 Broadway, centered on the theater’s use of the rear alley at Kenneth Rexroth Place. Planning staff summarized the six‑month performance report and the conditions imposed when the CUA was granted last July, which limited rear‑alley patron entry until 8:30 p.m., prohibited use of the alley as a smoking area and required security to be stationed at the rear exit.
Boxcar Theater operators, represented by David Gluck, told the commission they have replaced security contractors, trained in‑house personnel, installed no‑smoking signage and entered ongoing discussions with neighbors. Gluck asked the commission to “eliminate what we call the 8:30 curfew condition and give us full legal access to the alley” in future action, while acknowledging today’s hearing was informational only.
Neighbors who live on Kenneth Rexroth Place and nearby characterized the alley as their front yard and said problems persist. Ray Owen, speaking for several residents, told the commission that the alley entrance is “quite literally at our front door” and argued that Broadway entrances already accommodate the Speakeasy experience so rear‑alley access is unnecessary. Other residents described earlier threats over gate access, continued noise and smoking in the alley after 8:30 p.m., and a perception that Boxcar was being held responsible for other users of the alley.
Planning staff reiterated that the commission’s original approval included specific restrictions and that the six‑month update prompted today’s informational review. Commissioners acknowledged improvements reported by the theater—particularly the switch to in‑house security—but repeatedly emphasized the split among residents. Commissioner Moore said he did not hear a unified position and favored further dialogue; Commissioner Fong said it would be “premature to extend the hours at this moment.” Staff said it could return an informational hearing or, if the applicant files, an application to amend conditions.
The commission did not take formal action to amend the CUA at this meeting. Members directed staff to place the item back on the calendar for a follow‑up informational hearing after a period of further monitoring and neighborhood discussions, with six months offered as a reasonable timeframe by staff.
Next steps: staff will schedule a follow‑up informational hearing to report on compliance and neighborhood agreements; if the applicant files a formal amendment to the CUA seeking extended hours, that would require a noticed hearing and potential action by the commission.
