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Report regarding a Study Session on a proposed business improvement district in South San Francisco. (Ernesto Lucero, Economic Development Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends City Council receive a report regarding a Study Session on a proposed business improvement district in South San Francisco and provide comments and direction on its potential formation.
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BACKGROUND
In the past decade, staff has continued to explore enhanced efforts to revitalize downtown South San Francisco. This has been increasingly important due to the unique attributes along Grand and Linden Avenues. The area has many long-term legacy small businesses that have served the community, there are a diverse group of restaurants within the corridors, and the area is within close proximity to one of the largest biotech clusters in the world with an array of transit options within walking distance. Even though downtown solely encompasses District 5, it serves as a focal point for community events, government business, and commercial activities for all residents, employees, and visitors throughout South San Francisco. In San Mateo County, it is one of the more diverse and unique downtown neighborhoods with nearly 70% of the community speaking a language other than English.
Like many downtown areas throughout the Bay Area and country, the past several years has seen an uptick in vacant storefronts, less foot traffic due to the increase in remote workers, and the increased need to keep downtowns clean and attractive. In addition, specific to downtown South San Francisco, the community has seen over 1,073 new housing units constructed with an additional 61 units entitled, a new Caltrain station and plaza developed at its entrance, and a growing and expanding biotech cluster with over 26,000 employees that will continue to bring new visitors downtown for shopping, dining, and events.
Many communities throughout the state and county have formed business im...
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