In San Francisco, business owner Mark Sackett is in a tough spot that shows the big problems facing the progressive run city.
Sackett owns an event venue and antique shop, but he’s about to lose it.
He bought the place in 2004 for more than $1.5 million, but now he’s stuck with a $2.5 million mortgage and no way to refinance it.
Banks won’t lend to him, and he says this is because of the state of the city.
Sackett is frustrated with how the city ignores small businesses like his.
He said, “They care about bike lanes, nonprofits, safe injection sites. … They have just ignored small business … I’m just done with San Francisco and the bulls**t here. It’s out of control.”
His shop faces daily problems, like a broken window that costs $4,000 to fix, and issues with drug use and safety.
His store is also next to a drug detox center, adding to the trouble.
The local government admits there are problems, but they blame COVID-19.
Democrat Supervisor Matt Dorsey mentioned challenges like drug markets and public drug use.
He hopes things will improve but says recovery isn’t happening fast enough for businesses like Sackett’s.
Sackett also feels the city is unfairly tough on him.
He’s been hit with city rules about zoning and accessibility, even as he dealt with a sewage problem that cost him $85,000.
He pointed out the irony, saying, “I can put a tent in front of someone’s front door and sleep … but the city comes after me for ADA compliance.”
This situation shows the tough times for small business owners in progressive run cities like San Francisco.
They face not just economic struggles but also issues like drug abuse, homelessness, and frustrating and overreaching city policies.
Sackett’s story is a clear example of one of the many challenges facing small businesses in American urban areas run by Democrats.
That said, for Mr. Sackett himself, it appears he may be the root cause of his own problems as the following tweet shows:
Well if you’re going to keep voting for Democrats and expecting a different result you may be waiting a very long time.
