Whole Foods proposal at 1600 Jackson draws split neighborhood reaction; commission continues decision to Nov. 8

The Commission revisited a controversial conditional‑use request for a 3|65 (Whole Foods) grocery at the former Lombardi’s site at 1600 Jackson. Staff summarized prior direction to the sponsor to test adding housing; the sponsor said demolition or adding floors was infeasible and proposed a grocery‑only tenant with interior tenant improvements, a Transportation Management Plan, and a one‑year monitoring condition.

Public comment was sharply divided. Immediate neighbors and many nearby residents said they strongly support a full‑service grocery near new housing, while merchants and merchant associations argued that a large formula retailer would undercut small local grocers and long‑standing independent businesses. Labor and merchant groups warned about traffic, loading and long‑term local impacts; neighborhood groups pressed for mixed‑use housing over pure retail. The sponsor said structural and zoning constraints make substantial housing infeasible and offered up to five units on the second floor if required.

After extensive testimony and deliberation, commissioners voted 4–1 to continue the item to Nov. 8, 2018 to allow staff and the sponsor to produce further analysis on feasible housing alternatives and to refine technical responses to neighborhood concerns. Commissioner Moore cast the lone No vote, expressing continued concern about approving a large formula retailer where a housing‑led reuse is possible.