Dueling petitions have cropped up in support and opposition to the Chipotle being planned for the corner of Church and Market Streets, formerly home to Home restaurant.
As Eater noted yesterday, the self-described "gourmet burritos and tacos" chain is in the process of seeking a conditional-use permit for the location. Eater quotes a Chipotle rep as describing the space as an "eyesore" that has been vacant for over a year (true), and noted plans to add some neighborhood art and an outdoor patio to the space to better integrate it with the community. Chipotle also created an online petition in the hopes of documenting local support for the project. It was launched on January 24th, and has 174 signatures as of noon today. Of course, one good petition deserves another, so an Eater reader created one opposing Chipotle's plans. The petition notes: "The Castro has long been free of chain restaurants and store fronts, and is, in our opinion, the better for it." [Don't tell that to Starbucks, Walgreens, Sunglass Hut, U.S. Bank, Citibank, Diesel, Pottery Barn, Peet's, CVS, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, or Chevron... -Ed.] "As business owners and residence of the Castro & Upper Market areas, we are optimistic about the urban renewal occurring in our area. We feel that the prominent placement of such a large chain restaurant sets an unfortunate precedent. Please protect the Castro's and the Upper Market area's unique culture and prevent Chipotle from opening it's 10th SF location at Church and Market." The petition was created yesterday and currently has 40 signatures. No date has been set yet for a conditional-use hearing, but we'll keep an eye on it.
As Eater noted yesterday, the self-described "gourmet burritos and tacos" chain is in the process of seeking a conditional-use permit for the location. Eater quotes a Chipotle rep as describing the space as an "eyesore" that has been vacant for over a year (true), and noted plans to add some neighborhood art and an outdoor patio to the space to better integrate it with the community. Chipotle also created an online petition in the hopes of documenting local support for the project. It was launched on January 24th, and has 174 signatures as of noon today. Of course, one good petition deserves another, so an Eater reader created one opposing Chipotle's plans. The petition notes: "The Castro has long been free of chain restaurants and store fronts, and is, in our opinion, the better for it." [Don't tell that to Starbucks, Walgreens, Sunglass Hut, U.S. Bank, Citibank, Diesel, Pottery Barn, Peet's, CVS, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, or Chevron... -Ed.] "As business owners and residence of the Castro & Upper Market areas, we are optimistic about the urban renewal occurring in our area. We feel that the prominent placement of such a large chain restaurant sets an unfortunate precedent. Please protect the Castro's and the Upper Market area's unique culture and prevent Chipotle from opening it's 10th SF location at Church and Market." The petition was created yesterday and currently has 40 signatures. No date has been set yet for a conditional-use hearing, but we'll keep an eye on it.
