Commission approves Max Muscle conditional-use request for 1346 Polk Street

The commission unanimously approved a conditional-use authorization for Max Muscle to occupy a long-vacant storefront at 1346 Polk Street during the Jan. 28 hearing.

Staff reported extensive neighborhood outreach and letters of support from a range of neighborhood organizations and merchants. Sponsor Chan (Chang) Pham emphasized his local ties, commitment to hire neighborhood residents and his involvement with community beautification efforts. Supporters from Lower Polk Neighbors, the Polk Street merchants and other civic groups spoke in favor of the proposal and recommended approval.

Planning staff recommended approval on compatibility grounds and noted the project would help activate a storefront in an area with a high existing vacancy rate. Commissioners moved to approve the conditional use and recorded a unanimous vote supporting the finding that the proposed formula-retail storefront was compatible with Polk Street’s commercial district. The project was approved with standard conditions of authorization.