Planning Commission keeps Supervisor Amiano—s Mission formula-retail ordinance on the calendar after merchants demand more outreach

The San Francisco Planning Commission on Feb. 7 heard sustained public opposition from Mission District merchants and neighborhood groups to Supervisor Tom Amiano—s proposed formula-retail ordinance, and commissioners moved to keep the ordinance on the calendar next week while pursuing an extension to allow more outreach.

Merchants and business‑association leaders told the commission they were not consulted about the measure and warned it could have major economic effects. Anita Correa, president of the Mission Merchants Association, said the proposal would directly affect more than 150 businesses in the Mission and pressed commissioners not to rush the matter: "Why weren't merchants included in the discussion of the legislation?" she asked during public comment.

Representatives of other merchant groups made the same point. Jim Lazarus of the San Francisco Chamber said his members and the mayor—s staff needed more time to work through scope and footprints in the affected area, and Eric Arguello of the Lower 24th Street Merchant and Neighborhood Association urged meaningful outreach: "We should make sure that everyone is heard—merchants, residents and nonprofits."

Several commissioners echoed those concerns. Commissioner Mike Antonini said the commission should be a venue for vetting major land‑use measures and pressed for extra time and an economic study before a final recommendation. Commissioners also noted the legal 90‑day window for the commission to review Supervisor‑initiated legislation: staff reminded the group that the review period expires Feb. 18 unless the supervisor grants an extension.

Rather than postpone public input entirely, several commissioners and staff recommended holding a hearing next week so residents and merchants who have not yet had a chance to speak can record their views. The commission voted earlier in the meeting on a consolidated motion to continue multiple calendar items (including other continuances listed on the agenda); on that roll call the body recorded the approved continuances and then proceeded with the day—s hearings.

What happens next: Planning staff said they would ask Supervisor Amiano—s office whether the supervisor would grant an extension of the 90‑day review period. If the supervisor declines, the commission will be able to hold the public hearing as scheduled and may forward a recommendation despite the public—s call for more time. If an extension is granted, staff and the supervisor—s office said they would pursue further outreach with merchant and neighborhood groups before the commission takes any formal recommendation.

Votes and procedural notes: The commission did not take final action on the ordinance on Feb. 7; commissioners agreed to retain the item on the calendar next week and pursue an extension from the sponsor so additional outreach and review can occur.