2018-11-29 · 28 comments · 22 / 6
Chloe Angelis · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Project presentation
The Agency at 3848 24th StreetDear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, I am writing to enthusiastically support allowing The Agency and Rachel Swann to remain and conduct business at 3848 24th Street. It is my understanding that, by San Francisco code, a retail business must replace a vacating retail business. Anyone who lives in this neighborhood knows that there already are way to many EMPTY retail spaces up, down and around 24th Stre… Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, I am writing to enthusiastically support allowing The Agency and Rachel Swann to remain and conduct business at 3848 24th Street. It is my understanding that, by San Francisco code, a retail business must replace a vacating retail business. Anyone who lives in this neighborhood knows that there already are way to many EMPTY retail spaces up, down and around 24th Street! Retail is fleeing as Internet shopping has taken over. By enforcing this code all that is accomplished is another space will be available for rent. Do we need one more empty store front? My opinion is NO, we do not. In the meantime, The Agency employees and Rachel Swann herself have shown what a great resident and business owner who loves and cares about their neighborhood can, and should, do! Rachel not only generously donates money to neighborhood activities and events, where she is often the Lead Sponsor, but she also puts her boots on the ground, donates her time and energy and helps make the events happen. She is a regular sponsor of the Noe Valley Garden Tour as well as almost EVERY event held at the Noe Valley Town Square. She has produced the wildly successful Halloween events held in 2017 and 2018. She has scooped ice cream, passed out balloons, and handed out snacks at multiple events. The office is used for Gallery Nights for new artists in the neighborhood. Basically, The Agency and Rachel Swann are building and supporting the Noe Valley community in ways that are extremely helpful. In my opinion that<U+2019>s better than another empty store front. There is an article in the November 2018 issue of the Noe Valley Voice that states that the San Francisco Planning Commission <U+201C>has given developers permission to convert the former Real Food Company grocery store into retail space. At it<U+2019>s meeting Oct. 4, the commission approved the owners request to lift a long-standing zoning requirement that the property at 3939 24th St. only be used for general grocery store operations.<U+201D> The developers are converting the space to three retail stores. This has the effect of adding even more retail spaces to the neighborhood. And it points out that zoning CAN be changed. I am asking that the Conditional Use be removed from 3848 24th Street so that The Agency and Rachel Swann can continue to conduct business in that space as the strong supporters of the Noe Valley neighborhood and the Noe Valley community that they have shown themselves to be. Feel free to contact me Sincerely, Kelly Gilliam Noe Valley resident since 2004 [phone removed]show more 3848 24th Street: The Agency Conditional UseDear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, I am writing to show my support for The Agency and Rachel Swann to remain at 3848 24th Street by approving a Conditional Use permit. There are empty and struggling retail spaces already along 24th St - let's keep not only a productive and flourishing business in place, but also show support for a very active member of the Noe Valley community, Rachel Swann. I… Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, I am writing to show my support for The Agency and Rachel Swann to remain at 3848 24th Street by approving a Conditional Use permit. There are empty and struggling retail spaces already along 24th St - let's keep not only a productive and flourishing business in place, but also show support for a very active member of the Noe Valley community, Rachel Swann. I have no idea the amount of money put into the community by The Agency, but I can say for sure it is a business that has only been around for a short time and I've seen more from The Agency and Rachel than I have of any retail store in Noe Valley. They are generous with their resources to fit in with such a family-friendly community. Most recently they put on the family friendly Halloween extravaganza in Noe Square. Frankly, I don't even think most of The Agency employees have kids so it shows how important they think it is to be involved in the community! It would be a blow to morale of the neighborhood should The Agency not be allowed to stay. If the old grocery store (that has been sitting there for forever) can get permission to change zoning to retail (when there are plenty of empty retail stores that could have been used, oddly enough), then The Agency should be able to stay where they are and continue to be a productive business within the Noe Valley society. I imagine you've received quite a few requests like mine on behalf of Rachel and The Agency. And I also imagine you to be very reasonable, level-headed people who will use common sense in conjunction with the spirit of any laws/codes when making this decision. Thank you very much for your own service to the community and taking the time to read letters like these. Best, Carly & Jered DaCosta 3838 26th St SF CA 94131 -- Carly DaCosta [phone removed] @carlyadacosta LinkedInshow more 3848 24th Street - The Agency - Conditional Use LetterDear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, We<U+2019>re writing to support removing the conditional use (CU) for 3848 24th Street, and allowing its current occupant, The Agency, to stay. As you may know, there were no retail stores interested in that space when The Agency rented it. Rachel Swann, owner of The Agency, has contributed to Noe Valley in many deep ways. We don<U+2019>t want to lose … Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, We<U+2019>re writing to support removing the conditional use (CU) for 3848 24th Street, and allowing its current occupant, The Agency, to stay. As you may know, there were no retail stores interested in that space when The Agency rented it. Rachel Swann, owner of The Agency, has contributed to Noe Valley in many deep ways. We don<U+2019>t want to lose her enthusiastic volunteer efforts for our neighborhood. And given the trends toward online retail, we don<U+2019>t think she would be replaced by a store that would contribute as much to our community. You may be aware that services are gradually replacing some of the retail on 24th Street. Some of that is inevitable with the trend toward online shopping. Few independent store owners can make it on 24th Street these days. In fact, none were interested in renting 3848 24th Street when the old stained glass workshop closed. But The Agency is next best thing: It<U+2019>s a locally owned service company committed to supporting the neighborhood. They deserve to stay. And we deserve to keep them as valued members of our community. Rachel and her staff have volunteered for most of the major events at the Noe Valley Town Square. They produced the Halloween events in 2017 and 2018 that drew over 2,000 parents and children. They sponsored free cream and snacks at other events, and volunteered their time to clean up after the events. They have helped enliven 24th Street and made Noe Valley a strong community, something no other real estate firm on the street has done in recent years. In addition, The Agency hosts interns from the local high school, Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) at 24th Street & Guerrero Street, and is teaching these young girls valuable career experience through their work- study program. Rachel is President of the Noe Valley Merchants Association, and in this volunteer job, she<U+2019>s worked hard to try to bring new retail and restaurants to 24th Street. It<U+2019>s a tough challenge. Faced with high rents and online shopping, few independently owned stores are interested. Still, she helped convince Urban Remedy and Hi-Way Burger to come to the neighborhood. And she is currently in discussions with a hardware store. Her company has helped Noe Valley in many ways. We don<U+2019>t want to lose her! Kindly, Kristen Gianaras Owner: NOVY Restaurant and Vice President of the Noe Valley Merchants Association Kristen Gianaras Owner 4000 24th Street San Francisco, CA 94114 www.novysf.com p. [phone removed] f. [phone removed] c. [phone removed] [email removed]show more The agencyDear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners We<U+2019>re writing to support removing the conditional use (CU) for 3848 24th Street, and allowing its current occupant, The Agency, to stay. As you may know, there were no retail stores interested in that space when The Agency rented it. Rachel Swann, owner of The Agency, has contributed to Noe Valley in many deep ways. We don<U+2019>t want to lose her … Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners We<U+2019>re writing to support removing the conditional use (CU) for 3848 24th Street, and allowing its current occupant, The Agency, to stay. As you may know, there were no retail stores interested in that space when The Agency rented it. Rachel Swann, owner of The Agency, has contributed to Noe Valley in many deep ways. We don<U+2019>t want to lose her enthusiastic volunteer efforts for our neighborhood. And given the trends toward online retail, we don<U+2019>t think she would be replaced by a store that would contribute as much to our community. Rachel and her staff have volunteered for most of the major events at the Noe Valley Town Square. They produced the Halloween events in 2017 and 2018 that drew over 2,000 parents and children. They sponsored free ice cream and snacks at other events, and volunteered their time to clean up after the events. They have helped enliven 24th Street and made Noe Valley a strong community, something no other real estate firm on the street has done in recent years. Rachel is President of the Noe Valley Merchants Association, and in this volunteer job, she<U+2019>s worked hard to try to bring new retail and restaurants to 24th Street. It<U+2019>s a tough challenge. Faced with high rents and online shopping, few independently owned stores are interested. Still, she helped convince Urban Remedy and Hi-Way Burger to come to the neighborhood. And she is currently in discussions with a hardware store. Her company has helped Noe Valley in many ways. We don<U+2019>t want to lose her! Best, Puja Sent from my iPhoneshow more Letter of Support for The Agency on 24th StreetDear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, Please find attached, my letter of support for The Agency. I respectfully request you consider removing the conditional use requirement for 3848 24th Street, currently occupied by The Agency. This locally owned real estate company is a valuable contributor to our community, and we want them to stay. Sincerely, Robert T. Roddick Attorney at Law O: [phone removed… Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, Please find attached, my letter of support for The Agency. I respectfully request you consider removing the conditional use requirement for 3848 24th Street, currently occupied by The Agency. This locally owned real estate company is a valuable contributor to our community, and we want them to stay. Sincerely, Robert T. Roddick Attorney at Law O: [phone removed] F: [phone removed] Noe Valley Law Office 1330 Castro Street San Francisco, CA 94114 Virus-free. www.avg.comshow more In support of Rachel Swann/The Agency/3848 24th Street San FranciscoGreetings Ms. Pantoja and Commissioners, I am writing on behalf of the The Noe Valley Cub Scouts, Pack 88, in support of Rachel Swann and her offices at 3848 24th Street. Rachel has been a tireless supporter of the Cub Scouts. The Pack has been grateful for her enthusiastic and creative contributions to the enhancement of the Packs activities. The Pack leadership is grateful for her generous offer to host Pack 88 me… Greetings Ms. Pantoja and Commissioners, I am writing on behalf of the The Noe Valley Cub Scouts, Pack 88, in support of Rachel Swann and her offices at 3848 24th Street. Rachel has been a tireless supporter of the Cub Scouts. The Pack has been grateful for her enthusiastic and creative contributions to the enhancement of the Packs activities. The Pack leadership is grateful for her generous offer to host Pack 88 meetings in the rooms at 3848 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. We have used her spaces in the recent past as executive planning space, to map out future Pack activities such as camp outs or community support such as the Noe Valley clean up. I doubt there is any other business on 24th street that has the space and the willingness to support Pack 88 in this way. It was a dramatically more efficient space in operate in than a member<U+2019>s kitchen table. Rachel has shown that there are great synergies to be had between Pack 88 and her knowledge and commitment to Noe Valley, and we know we are only one of many local groups she supports wholeheartedly. She has plugged Pack 88 into activities and events in Noe Valley that we would otherwise not be aware of, providing our scouts opportunities to contribute and be of service through volunteer and community building activities she coordinates that benefit the Noe Valley community. Our pack leadership has found her actions and know-how invaluable and our collaborations always resulting in synergies for positive results, benefiting both the young boys and girls of the Cub Scouts and the Noe Valley community. If the Agency was denied the opportunity to continue to operate at 3848 24th Street, the effect on Pack 88 would be severe. The loss of those spaces to operate in, as well as the possible loss of Rachel<U+2019>s expertise and commitment, would be a harsh blow to the community in Noe Valley and to Pack 88. We trust that the leadership making this decision is weighing both the significant contributions Rachel Swann has personally made as a community organizer in addition to the contributions from the company she operates out of this space, The Agency, which supports community events nearly every month. We are truly grateful for her commitment and collaboration and wish she and The Agency continued success as she helps fuel a thriving and vibrant 24th Street in Noe Valley. Sincerely, Pack 88 Team (Brian Curry, Pack Member)show more Support for Rachel Swann CU at 3848 24th Street NOE VALLEYNovember 15, 2018 Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners I am writing to you in support of the conditional use request for 3848 24th Street that would allow the current tenant, Rachel Swann and The Agency, to continue to stay in the location that they are in now. The conditional use policy allows the neighborhood to make decisions one by one on the businesses that can be granted an exception to th… November 15, 2018 Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners I am writing to you in support of the conditional use request for 3848 24th Street that would allow the current tenant, Rachel Swann and The Agency, to continue to stay in the location that they are in now. The conditional use policy allows the neighborhood to make decisions one by one on the businesses that can be granted an exception to the zoning use and I support this exception for Rachel Swann to be able to stay at the location she is at. Previously I supported the CU requests for Sterling Bank and Circle Bank who both needed neighborhood support to get the CU request to stay in Noe Valley as I saw the need for small banks in the community in much the same way as I see the value in the offices of Rachel Swann to continue to stay in Noe Valley. As expected those banks have proven to be good neighbors to our community as I believe that Rachel Swann and her business have. Rachel has participated in our small business community in many ways over the years. She ran the Harvest Festival for many years and for the last two years she has been a small business leader and her firm has produced very popular Halloween events for the community that have benefited everyone in Noe Valley. The generosity that she and her firm have shown the community in both time, talent and financial support, has been really wonderful and would not be easily replaced if she were not here. She has proven herself to be a good neighbor and a great supporter of small businesses and diversity of business for Noe Valley. Therefore I support conditional use approval be given to Rachel and The Agency to remain at 3848 24th Street. Sincerely, Carol Yenne Owner Small Frys Children's Store (since 1984) 3985 24th Street San Francisco, Ca 94114show more Conditional Use removal re 3848 24th StreetGabriela Pantoja, Planner Southwest Team, Current Planning Division San Francisco Planning Department 1650 Mission Street, Suite 400 San Francisco, CA 94103 Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, As long term Noe Valley residents, we have been increasingly concerned about the number of empty store fronts on and around the 24th Street shopping corridor. We strongly support allowing The Agency and Rach… Gabriela Pantoja, Planner Southwest Team, Current Planning Division San Francisco Planning Department 1650 Mission Street, Suite 400 San Francisco, CA 94103 Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, As long term Noe Valley residents, we have been increasingly concerned about the number of empty store fronts on and around the 24th Street shopping corridor. We strongly support allowing The Agency and Rachel Swann to remain and conduct business at 3848 24th Street. It is our understanding that, by San Francisco code, a retail business must replace a vacating retail business however keeping solid anchors in place on 24th Street should be a priority. Rachel Swann and The Agency employees clearly love Noe Valley as demonstrated by their involvement in - and often lead sponsorship of, most every event that occurs at the Noe Valley Square as well as their involvement with the wine walk, halloween events, and garden tours. Additionally, the Agency helps host the work of local artists. The changes that the Planning Commission has allowed the developers of the Real Food Grocery store to make (Noe Valley Voice, Nov 2018) from grocery to retail should be precedent setting of the Commission's wisdom regarding making zoning changes that are clearly in the best interest of the community. And while we are thrilled to soon have the Real Foods space *finally* again occupied, it is not the time to risk having another vacant storefront at 3848 24th Street. Please consider this request that the Conditional Use be removed from 3848 24th Street so that The Agency and Rachel Swann can continue to conduct business and remain strong supporters of the Noe Valley community. Thank you, Tara Brant and Dara Papo 436 Clipper Street San Francisco, CA 94114 [email removed] [email removed]show more Letter of Support for Rachel Swann/The AgencyDear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, On behalf of the Community for the Noe Valley Town Square, I am writing in full and enthusiastic support of removing the conditional use (CU) for 3848 24th Street, in order to allow its current occupant, The Agency, to stay. I cannot emphasize strongly enough what an important neighbor, community contributor and leader Rachel Swann has been to Noe Valley. She has … Dear Gabriela Pantoja and Planning Commissioners, On behalf of the Community for the Noe Valley Town Square, I am writing in full and enthusiastic support of removing the conditional use (CU) for 3848 24th Street, in order to allow its current occupant, The Agency, to stay. I cannot emphasize strongly enough what an important neighbor, community contributor and leader Rachel Swann has been to Noe Valley. She has diligently and tirelessly served as the president of the Noe Valley Merchants & Professionals Association (a volunteer position that, as I've witnessed, takes up to 15-29 hours a week), and donated her time before that as a neighborhood volunteer preceding her tenure as president. Time and again, she has offered her help with the Noe Valley Town Square in her efforts to build community and support local retailers. Rachel and I have worked together on up to a dozen events and worked together on a multi-non-profit organization to build the community. Her other good works and efforts in the neighborhood include: - Hosting for two years our biggest event at the Town Square, "Spooktacular" attracting well over 700 people. (All events at the Town Square increase foot traffic and sales at local stores and restaurants.) - Hosting "Heroes Day," in which we invited local police offiicers, fire fighters, and other public service officials to meet locals - over 200 people attended. - Bringing in new businesess, including Hi-Way Burger and Urban Remedy. - Donating her conference room to neighborhood groups to meet. - Donating tee-pees for kids to play in at the Town Square. - Hosting fundraisers for fire victims. - Working with a local Boy Scout troop to build community - Hiring high school students to be interns; they are from the ICA (Immaculate Conception Academy), a school for underserved girls with a goal to set them up for college and success in life. She is always open to donating to the community when asked. Rachel and The Agency is the kind of business and business leader Noe Valley needs. We very much to keep her, and the Agency, in the neighborhood. All the best, Leslie Crawfordshow more Debra Niemann · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Chris Nicholson · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Ozzie Rohm · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Leslie Crawford · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Concerned Noe Valley ResidentI am writing to enthusiastically support allowing The Agency and Rachel Swann to remain and conduct business at 3848 24th Street. It is my understanding that, by San Francisco code, a retail business must replace a vacating retail business. Anyone who lives in this neighborhood knows that there already are way to many EMPTY retail spaces up, down and around 24th Street! Retail is fleeing as Internet shopping has take… I am writing to enthusiastically support allowing The Agency and Rachel Swann to remain and conduct business at 3848 24th Street. It is my understanding that, by San Francisco code, a retail business must replace a vacating retail business. Anyone who lives in this neighborhood knows that there already are way to many EMPTY retail spaces up, down and around 24th Street! Retail is fleeing as Internet shopping has taken over. By enforcing this code all that is accomplished is another space will be available for rent. Do we need one more empty store front? My opinion is NO, we do not. In the meantime, The Agency employees and Rachel Swann herself have shown what a great resident and business owner who loves and cares about their neighborhood can, and should, do! Rachel not only generously donates money to neighborhood activities and events, where she is often the Lead Sponsor, but she also puts her boots on the ground, donates her time and energy and helps make the events happen. She is a regular sponsor of the Noe Valley Garden Tour as well as almost EVERY event held at the Noe Valley Town Square. She has produced the wildly successful Halloween events held in 2017 and 2018. She has scooped ice cream, passed out balloons, and handed out snacks at multiple events. The office is used for Gallery Nights for new artists in the neighborhood. Basically, The Agency and Rachel Swann are building and supporting the Noe Valley community in ways that are extremely helpful. In my opinion that<U+2019>s better than another empty store front. There is an article in the November 2018 issue of the Noe Valley Voice that states that the San Francisco Planning Commission <U+201C>has given developers permission to convert the former Real Food Company grocery store into retail space. At it<U+2019>s meeting Oct. 4, the commission approved the owners request to lift a long-standing zoning requirement that the property at 3939 24th St. only be used for general grocery store operations.<U+201D> The developers are converting the space to three retail stores. This has the effect of adding even more retail spaces to the neighborhood. And it points out that zoning CAN be changed. I am asking that the Conditional Use be removed from 3848 24th Street so that The Agency and Rachel Swann can continue to conduct business in that space as the strong supporters of the Noe Valley neighborhood and the Noe Valley community that they have shown themselves to be. Thank you, Stephanie Young 651 29th Streetshow more Kristen Gianaras · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Anastasia Yovonapolous · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Sister Lilly · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Anna Burg · spoken · 2018-11-29 · oppose
Opposition
Meg Young · spoken · 2018-11-29 · oppose
Opposition
Carly DeCosta · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Lisa Bose · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Steve Lau · spoken · 2018-11-29 · oppose
Opposition
Jannelle Picain · spoken · 2018-11-29 · oppose
Not at this location
Dani Mariscal · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
Laura Clark · spoken · 2018-11-29 · oppose
Conditional use permits
Rick French · spoken · 2018-11-29 · oppose
Deny
Carol Yenne · spoken · 2018-11-29 · support
Support
2019-01-10 · 14 comments · 11 / 3
Jenae Dykes · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Support
Gina Blabcarte · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Support
Rick French · spoken · 2019-01-10 · oppose
Opposition
Debra Niemann · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Support
Ozzie Rohm · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Empty storefronts
David Manuel · spoken · 2019-01-10 · oppose
Denial will not adversely affect the retail vitality in the valley
Chris Foust · spoken · 2019-01-10 · oppose
Walkable street
Kristen Gianaras · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Support, negative impacts to the loss of the agency
Michelle Long · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
24th St. corridor
Lisa Bose · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Integral part of local artist and small businesses
Henry Karnilowicz · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Community organizer
Rachel Swan · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Project presentation
Anastasia Yovonapolous · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Support
Edward Lee · spoken · 2019-01-10 · support
Support