Thank you to the MCA members that attended our membership meeting on April 25th we covered some exciting topics and have some updates in our monthly newsletter. Stay tuned for our next event on May 23rd! 

MCA Takes a Stand Against Pet Food Express on Lombard Street

The MCA Board of Directors has voted against allowing Pet Food Express (PFE) to obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Planning Commission, as formula use retail under the San Francisco zoning ordinance. 

Since prematurely signing a ten-year lease at this location approximately four years ago without obtaining their necessary permits, PFE has not maintained the building or parking lot in a way that shows they are committed to the safety or vibrancy of the Marina District. The MCA feels that it is disingenuous that PFE is claiming that Lombard Street is deteriorating and that opening a PFE will help to bring a positive flow of commercial activity to a street that is in bad condition, when in fact we feel that it is PFE's fault that this site has remained vacant and deteriorating for the past four years. This coupled with PFE's predatory pricing policies, make us concerned about what this store could mean for the other pet related stores in our neighborhood such as Animal Connection Too and Catnip and Bones on Chestnut Street.  

However, we are also strongly concerned about the current state of Lombard Street and feel that an empty storefront does not add value to our neighborhood and could invite criminal activity. Therefore the MCA is committed to helping to find a suitable replacement tenant as soon as possible. 

We received dozens of comments from our members (and non-members) through our online survey. Based on that feedback and several meetings with the owners and lobbyists from both sides of this issue, the MCA Board has taken a position against this project. 

 
 
Timeline and City Process
 

 
PFE will need a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Planning Commission as formula use retail under the San Francisco zoning ordinance. Under San Francisco’s formula retail ordinance, PFE must first arrange for a community meeting targeting properties within 300 foot from the storefront. We were told that meeting would take place in the fall of 2012, but we were never notified of such a meeting. After that meeting occurs, PFE will submit its CUP application, which will result in a public hearing before the Planning Commission. That review would be followed by a Planning Commission hearing and if a positive vote is obtained, construction on the store would then begin. 

If you would like to be kept in the loop about this project, please email members@sfmca.org.