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Planning commission approves Rag & Bone store on Fillmore after heated public debate, 4–3
Summary
After hours of public testimony both for and against, the Planning Commission granted Rag & Bone a conditional-use permit to open at 2060 Fillmore Street. Supporters cited neighborhood partnerships and local manufacturing while opponents warned the corridor is saturated by formula retail and rising rents. Vote was 4–3.
The Planning Commission on Thursday voted 4–3 to allow apparel retailer Rag & Bone to occupy two adjacent storefronts at 2060 Fillmore Street, approving a conditional-use permit over strong public opposition from some merchants and neighborhood advocates.
David Neville, one of Rag & Bone—s founders, told the commission the company has grown from a small American manufacturer to a multi‑location retailer but is "absolutely not a formula retail" in the way the Fillmore debate frames chain stores. "We will never be a Formula Retail type of business," Neville said, and his team described neighborhood commitments including a Kiva Zip revolving loan fund for non-formula Fillmore merchants, a grant to nearby William Cobb Elementary through EdMatch, and an ongoing partnership with local nonprofit Pets Unlimited.
Opponents, including longtime Fillmore merchants and the Fillmore Merchants Association, argued the corridor is already saturated with retailers that have multiple national or international locations and that the appearance of more formula stores is driving rent increases and pushing independent businesses out. Merchant Beverly Weinkauf told commissioners, "Fillmore now has been inundated with what is called formula stores...these chains may be proud of gaining an address on Fillmore, but it takes soul to shine." Others said the ordinance—s 11‑store threshold should be revised to count international brands and prevent the loss of local character.
Supporters countered that Rag & Bone is a comparatively small brand with no Northern California stores and that it has proposed concrete neighborhood benefits. Representatives from local groups including Kiva, EdMatch and Pets Unlimited testified that Rag & Bone has promised locally oriented partnerships, a no-interest loan fund for merchants, grants to nearby schools and a plan to source some fixtures locally.
Commission discussion focused on how to balance preservation of Fillmore—s independent merchant character with economic development and job creation. Commissioners in favor cited the company—s outreach and neighborhood commitments; those opposed expressed concern that the formula-retail definition and enforcement are not keeping pace with the market.
The motion to approve passed 4–3 (Ayes: 4; Noes: 3). Conditions attached to the approval include standard planning conditions and any neighborhood mitigation required by staff.
Next steps: The decision can be appealed under normal procedures if filed within the applicable appeal period.
