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| Title        : abc7news.com: SF Supervisors OK New Restrictions On Chain |
|              : Stores                                                    |
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| File name    : 3.23.04 abc7 SF Supervisors OK New Restrictions On Chain  |
|              : Stores.txt                                                |
| File size    : 3,354 bytes (approx)                                      |
| Create date  : 15-Jul-2006                                               |
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New Restrictions On SF Chain Stores Approved
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March 23 (BCN) -- San Francisco supervisors today voted to enact new
restrictions on chain stores, imposing a ban in Hayes Valley as well as
tighter rules in Cole Valley and greater notification along business
corridors.

"San Francisco isn't Phoenix," commented Supervisor Bevan Dufty in joining
the eight-member majority to vote yes. He said on trips to the Arizona city
he's seen long stretches where the same retail outlets appear over and over.
Dufty, who represents the Castro and Noe Valley, said he's not anti-chain
but wants to preserve distinctive areas and ensure that neighbors have a say
in how they evolve.

Those voting no were Supervisors Tony Hall, who said competition would be
diminished due to the package proposed by Supervisor Matt Gonzalez, Fiona
Ma, who said it sends the "wrong big-picture message," and Michela
Alioto-Pier, who asked for more economic analysis of its potential impact on
jobs and city revenue before proceeding.

Its supporters, including Supervisors Chris Daly and Tom Ammiano, called it
a carefully crafted plan that will support small businesses and start to
"get to the root" of San Francisco's many concerns and battles over chain
stores.

Gonzalez also obtained the support of Supervisors Gerardo Sandoval and
Sophie Maxwell, each of whom represents an outlying district where
chain-store tenants would be welcomed to revive commercial areas and attract
foot traffic. Each of them has described working hard in recent years to
bring big-name companies to their areas and said they hope this legislation
will give their efforts a boost.

The direct citywide impact, at first, would be fairly minimal, but the
legislation allows other areas to seek restrictions similar to those about
to be imposed on Hayes and Cole valleys and would create new work for the
planning staff. The city's chamber of commerce just released a survey
finding that more San Francisco residents are concerned about promoting jobs
than limiting chain stores.

The ordinance must also return to the board for one more vote.

Today's 8-3 margin could withstand a veto, should Mayor Gavin Newsom
eventually decide to take that step instead of signing it into law.

Copyright 2004 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, re-transmission or
reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. Is
prohibited.

Last Updated: Mar 23, 2004


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