16th and Mission: A Bermuda triangle of vice that eludes zoning

"Roughly 900 people, including 81 children, live in 471 households on the four blocks that meet at 16th and Mission, according to the U.S. Census. The oldest major stakeholder in the area is Marshall Elementary School, around since 1914, rebuilt in 1977 and still teaching 247 students. The four blocks also include eight single-room-occupancy hotels and three public housing projects."

"Contemporary zoning laws recognize and regulate tobacco, liquor, and cannabis sales near schools. But the restrictions came too late to have much impact at 16th and Mission because existing shops were grandfathered in. And, in the meantime, shops selling new products for adults - cannabis and drug paraphernalia also moved in."

"A year later, the northeast BART plaza is still plagued at twilight by illegal vendors and open-air drug dealing. Sometimes the illicit activity moves onto the southwest plaza and south on Mission Street."

The intersection of 16th and Mission streets in San Francisco serves as a major transit hub with approximately 900 residents, including 81 children, living across four blocks. The area includes Marshall Elementary School, eight single-room-occupancy hotels, and three public housing projects. Mayor Daniel Lurie launched enforcement efforts beginning March 2025 to improve safety and walkability. Despite these initiatives, the northeast BART plaza continues experiencing illegal drug dealing and unlicensed vending, particularly at twilight hours. Contemporary zoning laws regulate tobacco, liquor, and cannabis sales near schools, but existing businesses were grandfathered in before restrictions took effect. Cannabis dispensaries and drug paraphernalia shops have opened in the area, creating an environment unsuitable for the vulnerable population residing there.

Read at Mission Local