Urban Outwitters?

Another chain store in the Haight? Urban Outfitters is attempting to open a large clothing outlet at 1728-1748 Haight Street. The San Francisco Planning Commission will hold a brief public comment period regarding this proposal.

The commercial zoning limit for this area allows for a retail store under 2,500 square feet without a Conditional Use Permit. Furthermore, it must SERVE THE LOCAL RESIDENTS. Urban Outfitters is trying to grab 8,733 SQUARE FEET to cater to the tourist trade.

Perhaps you're angered by the Walgreens that virtually sneaked in and cheapened Cole Valley with little public input. Perhaps you're sickened by the Diesel and hordes of other chains that ruined the unique character of the Castro. Perhaps you hate the fact that more clothing stores open every year on Haight while three laundromats have closed recently, not to mention a bank, two bookstores, two nightclubs and a locally-owned pharmacy.

The proposed Urban Outfitters would open on the ground floor of the new condominiums being completed on Haight between Cole and Shrader. You've probably noticed this architectural insult to the street, with its late-eighties postmodern mismatch of styles. You may have already seen the concrete walls and security camera bubble that may monitor all passersby. These new luxury residences with underground parking will add more traffic to one of the densest neighborhoods in the city. Add a large clothing chain and we're looking at worsening gridlock.

Urban Outfitters was recently protested by the NAACP for marketing Ghettopoly, a racist version of the board game Monopoly, and was under fire for selling a crudely stereotypical Chinese-man costume. UO's founder was also "a major contributor to Senator Rick Santorum's gay-baiting campaigns," according to Harper's Magazine. An entity so insensitive is contrary to the values of our historic neighborhood.

The Haight-Ashbury Neighborhood Council, strongly against this deal, is attempting to influence the development.

If you're tired of seeing the upper Haight turn into a generic strip mall of clothing boutiques and chains for tourists, please speak out against this project.

ATTEND the Public Hearing:
Thursday, November 13, 1:30 p.m.
S.F. City Hall, Room 400
Call (415) 558-6415 for Schedule

WRITE the Planning Commission:
S.F. Planning Commission
1660 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Case No. 2003.0794C