Let's Talk About That New Grocery Store

Last week, we wrote about the new development at 555 Fulton, which is slated to include a large grocery store at street level. But not all grocery stores are created equal.

The site falls under Hayes Valley's much-discussed formula retail ban, meaning any grocery store that moves in will have to have fewer than 11 locations nationwide. That rules out any big chain grocery stores -- and perhaps helps explain why a tenant for the space has remained elusive for several years. Earlier this year, the project was taken over by a new developer, who is now seeking to have the site exempted from the formula retail ban. The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, however, strongly opposes that move. As they write on their website:

"HVNA has... advocated for an independent and locally-owned supermarket rather than a huge chain store pedaling processed food or expensive boutique groceries. Ultimately we’d like to see a supermarket that hires locally and is engaged in the community, emphasizing fresh, local foods, but at prices affordable to all of our neighbors."

In an effort to drum up community support, they're holding a public meeting to discuss the supermarket tonight at 7pm at Ella Hill Hutch Community Center (at McAllister and Webster). They've also created an online petition, which they hope will help persuade the San Francisco Planning Commission to allow further discussion of the topic before making a decision. The topic is on the agenda to be considered by the Planning Commission this Thursday at noon. So if you have an opinion, now's your time to speak up. You can do so at tonight's meeting, at Thursday's hearing, or of course in the comments below.