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Neighbors oppose Arco/AM PM bid to open doors 24 hours at 5898 Mission; commission continues item to July 9
Summary
The Planning Commission heard hours‑of‑operation and public‑safety arguments over a conditional‑use amendment at 5898 Mission Street. Neighbors and police warned open‑door service would increase loitering and crime; the commission initially voted to deny, then unanimously moved to continue the item to July 9 so a full commission can decide.
The Planning Commission debated whether to allow a grocery market at 5898 Mission Street to open its front doors 24 hours a day, after staff recommended approving an amendment to a 2003 conditional‑use authorization to extend store hours.
Staff planner Cecilia Jaroslavsky told commissioners the market currently operates 6 a.m. to midnight and uses a pass‑through window between midnight and 6 a.m.; alcohol sales would remain prohibited under the proposal. Jaroslavsky said the department had received letters both in support (including signatures and a letter from Bishop Green of the San Francisco Christian Center) and in opposition from the Outer Mission Merchants and Residents Association.
Neighborhood residents and association leaders filled the public‑comment period with safety and nuisance complaints. Steve Currier, president of the Outer Mission Residents Association, told the commission many neighbors reported continued violations since the permit was first issued and urged denial: “This is a safety issue,” he said, adding the association had voted unanimously against 24‑hour open‑door service. Several neighbors described loitering, graffiti and late‑night noise they said subsided when the store operated through the pass‑through window.
Representatives for the applicant and some customers urged approval. The owner, Mrs. Azar, said the change is needed so the business “can survive” and serve early‑morning workers and shift employees who rely on indoor access for restrooms and prepared food. A customer who works nights said the pass‑through window requires long waits and that allowing patrons inside would reduce loitering at the window.
Acting Captain Dave Lazar of Ingleside Police Station had a representative testify that an open‑door market “would add additional burden as far as noise, loitering, crime to the neighborhood,” while the officer who appeared in person explained a calls‑for‑service map showing recurring police activity near the intersection; she cautioned not all calls map directly to the property but said officers are aware of activity in the vicinity.
Commissioners split over competing concerns about neighborhood quality of life, business viability and comparables such as 24‑hour Safeway and 7‑11 outlets nearby. Commissioner Bridal moved to deny the amendment; the body recorded a 3–2 vote in favor of disapproval. A substitute motion to continue the item until a meeting with a full commission passed unanimously; the item was continued to July 9. The commission closed public comment on the record.
Next steps: the commission will rehear the item with a full panel at the July 9 meeting. No final change to the conditional‑use permit was adopted at today’s session.
