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Planning Commission approves La Boulange at 1266 Ninth Avenue with design condition to preserve neighborhood storefront character
Summary
After extensive testimony both for and against, the Commission approved La Boulange's conditional-use request for a single 3,200-square-foot storefront at 1266 Ninth Avenue, adding a condition that the sponsor work with staff on facade design to better present product to the sidewalk and break up the uniform awnings.
The Planning Commission voted unanimously on April 19, 2012 to approve a conditional-use authorization for La Boulange to operate a formula retail full-service restaurant in an approved tenant space at 1266 Ninth Avenue in the Inner Sunset Neighborhood Commercial District.
Planning staff outlined required formula retail findings and reported roughly 440 letters in support and 400 in opposition. Staff said the project occupies less than 4,999 square feet and the department found the project "both necessary and desirable" because it complied with previously approved tenant parameters and would enliven the ground floor.
Project counsel and company representatives described La Boulange's neighborhood ties, local sourcing and job creation. "Stores typically employ 25 to 30 people each, and in total, we have over 400 employees living here in the Bay Area," a company representative said (JP LaChance).
Opponents, including neighborhood bakery and small-business representatives, argued the large single storefront (about 3,200 square feet) departed from the block's small-storefront character and could displace opportunities for multiple small businesses. "The Inner Sunset needs small local businesses that will contribute to our distinctive character, not a generic chain business," one opponent said during public comment.
Commissioners debated prevalence of formula retail in the corridor, scale, design and whether La Boulange's local ownership and hiring mitigated concerns. Commissioner Moore sought design changes to bring product display closer to the sidewalk; the sponsor agreed to work with staff. The motion to approve included a stipulation that the project sponsor continue to work with Planning Department staff on facade and display treatments to reduce the uniform restaurant appearance and better integrate with neighborhood retail.
The vote was unanimous.
