Divisadero Street Neighborhood Marketplace Initiative - Office of ...

Medical MarijuanaCollectives and dispensaries of medical marijuana are a legaland even politically supported businesses in the City ofSan Francisco. They are regulated and fill a proven need inthe community. However, they have also raised concernsabout what types of uses can or should be located close by,the activities of the clientele that may frequent the medicalmarijuana clubs, and what effect it could have on propertyvalues. There are currently two medical marijuana sites inoperation in the district.Opportunities SitesWhile there are no unused vacant lots in the NCD and onlyone off-street surface parking lot, there are some areas thatcould support denser infill development. For example, inthe Northern section of the district the frequency of singlestory, single occupant, commercial buildings along thecorridor increases. In many cases these parcels could accommodatemixed uses above commercial spaces similarto existing typologies in the corridor, without displacingservices or businesses that are vital to the character of thedistrict. While “density” is often a sensitive issue in neighborhoods,more housing above commercial uses on thestreet could add to the pedestrian activity and consequentviability for several small businesses. The Harding Theatersite, which has been discussed for re-use, is also a potentialcatalyst site for the corridor.19