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Commission approves La Boulange bakery-cafe for West Portal with conditions
Summary
The commission approved a conditional use request allowing La Boulange to open a bakery-café at 16 West Portal Avenue after staff reported broad neighborhood support and recommended conditions; the vote was unanimous.
The Planning Commission approved a conditional‑use request on July 11 to allow La Boulange to open a new bakery and café at 16 West Portal Avenue.
Planning staff said the department had received roughly 150 letters in support from neighbors and merchants and noted no written opposition at the time of the staff report. JP LaChance, vice president of retail operations, described community outreach that included neighborhood surveys and meetings; the Greater West Portal Neighborhood Association conducted a survey showing two‑thirds support among 300 respondents. La Boulange estimated the location would create about 35 full‑ and part‑time jobs and described modest storefront improvements with restoration of historic clerestory windows.
Commissioners praised the outreach and the project’s potential to fill a local need for a bakery, with Commissioner Antonini calling it “a very good one‑by‑one” application. The commission approved the project with conditions intended to limit impacts and require compliance with the planning code.
The approval authorizes interior tenant improvements and minor storefront changes; conditions reflect standard planning requirements and any additional mitigation the department listed in its report.
