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Report regarding an update on Launch Local!, the Vacant Retail Activation Pilot Program and a resolution approving a sublease agreement with Christopher Nguyen, d.b.a. Six Bicycles, for the commercial space at 634 El Camino Real. (Katie Donner, Management Analyst I)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends City Council adopt a resolution approving a 12-month sublease agreement with Christopher Nguyen, d.b.a. Six Bicycles, for the commercial space located at 634 El Camino Real, based on Launch Local! sublease terms consistent with the previously approved program guidelines.
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BACKGROUND
On February 12, 2025, the City Council held a study session on a proposed Vacant Retail Activation Pilot Program (Program) designed to reduce vacant storefronts and support first-time brick-and-mortar small businesses. Council directed staff to finalize the Program Guidelines and a Request for Interest (RFI) for Council consideration.
On March 26, 2025, the Council approved the Program, named Launch Local!, with the following key terms:
* Use of City-controlled commercial spaces to pilot short-term, below-market leases;
* $1.00 per square foot triple net (NNN) leases with a $2.00/sf security deposit;
* Up to $10,000 in Tenant Improvement (TI) allowance as a rent credit;
* Minimum operating hours of seven hours per day, five days per week;
* Priority for first-time, for-profit brick-and-mortar businesses located in South San Francisco, and clients of the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center at the Economic Advancement Center (EAC); and
* Exclusion of food service uses during the pilot phase at 634 El Camino Real.
Request for Interest (RFI) Process
Following Council direction, an RFI was issued on April 1, 2025, for the vacant City-owned storefront at 634 El Camino Real, with applications due May 30, 2025. Applications were accepted through the City's procurement platform and evaluated on concept strength, readiness, financial capacity, activation potent...
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