Reena Patel, vice president for marketing at Kink.com, told XBIZ that hundreds of community members, including school and neighborhood groups, showed up to the meeting. There was such a large turnout, she said, that many watched the hearing from an overflow room.
Several prominent figures, including the owner of the local Supper Club, organizers of the Folsom Street Fair and a rep from the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom, voiced their support of Kink.com’s move.
The informational hearing allowed the community to have their questions answered and learn about the economic benefits of Kink.com moving to the armory. The commissioners also quelled many misconceptions the community had, including that the company was a “money-making goliath” that had bought the armory without informing the city.
Patel said the planning commissioners were positive and honest when responding to community members’ concerns and that she is skeptical that any further action, such as rezoning, will take place against Kink.com’s favor.
“The overall feeling was pretty positive,” Patel said.
A representative for Mayor Gavin Newsom, who has repeatedly voiced his opposition to Kink.com’s move, was unavailable for comment at press time.