Residents advocate for Whole Foods to revitalize City Center Mall in Anza Vista

The San Francisco government meeting on July 4, 2025, featured strong community support for the proposed Whole Foods project at the City Center Mall, which has remained largely vacant since 2018. Residents expressed their views on the necessity of the grocery store, highlighting the decline of local shopping options and the need for fresh produce in the Anza Vista neighborhood.

Peter Devine, a local resident, emphasized that the mall has been a blight on the community since major retailers like Sears and Mervin's closed. He noted that the area has lost several small grocery stores during the pandemic, leaving residents with limited options for fresh food. Devine argued that Whole Foods would not only serve the neighborhood but also benefit visitors to nearby Kaiser Hospital, providing convenient access to healthy food options.

Another resident, Mr. Jamieson, countered concerns about environmental impacts by stating that Whole Foods plans to use electric vehicles for deliveries, which would mitigate pollution. He also highlighted the economic benefits of the project, estimating that it would generate around $7 million in construction costs, which would support local employment.

Support for the project was echoed by R.D. Berardi from Local 38 Plumbers and Pipefitters, who called for swift action to move the proposal forward, citing the long wait for development in the area. Al Soudini, President of the Anza Vista Neighborhood Association, also voiced his support, reinforcing the community's desire for revitalization of the mall.

The meeting underscored a collective push from residents for the Whole Foods project, seen as a vital step towards enhancing local amenities and revitalizing a long-neglected shopping center. The discussions reflect a broader community interest in improving access to fresh food and stimulating economic growth in the area.