Robert GrahamA longtime San Francisco business owner is facing “financial ruin” after “widespread drug use, violence and filthy streets” destroyed his neighborhood, making it impossible to keep his companies afloat.
Mark Sackett, owner of multiple businesses, including a “South of Market building with a printmaker, antiques shop and events venue called the Box SF for almost two decades,” revealed his struggles in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.
He condemned local leaders for failing to keep the city clean as he faces “financial ruin because he’s been unable to refinance a $2.5 million mortgage due in February.”
Sackett said he has lost out on nearly $250,000 in 2023 due to cancellations and a decrease in venue bookings, recalling how potential clients have declined to book events because they suspect the neighborhood is too dangerous.