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Planning commission backs Union Street change to let more small eateries
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended that the Board of Supervisors allow up to 12 new small self‑service restaurants or specialty food establishments on Union Street (conditional-use approvals required). Merchants said higher foot traffic and lunchtime options would revive the corridor.
The Planning Commission on April 23 voted unanimously to recommend an amendment to the Union Street Neighborhood Commercial District that would allow up to 12 small self‑service restaurants and specialty food establishments, subject to conditional‑use review.
Tara Sullivan (Planning Department) told commissioners the corridor suffers a high vacancy rate (about 20–22 storefronts) and that the proposed amendment responds to merchant and community requests. Merchant representatives, neighborhood business owners and Supervisor Iota Pierce’s office said they conducted outreach and broadly supported a capped program (limit of 12 additional establishments, first‑come/first‑served) tied to conditional‑use review and local controls on liquor.
Commissioners said the change aims to expand neighborhood‑serving dining options and keep lunchtime dollars on Union Street rather than drawing shoppers to Chestnut or Polk Street. The commission’s recommendation will go to the Board of Supervisors for final legislative action.
