With election day a few weeks away we wanted to share a few updates on initiatives that we’ve been busy advocating for which inevitably will drive our post election efforts. We believe it’s critical to share our discoveries and takeaways on issues that continue to shape our neighborhood — these matters impact both our quality of life and conditions to conduct business in Hayes Valley.
Head West Event
The increased frequency (4x a year) of this event continues to harm our independent operators. Suffice it to say after following and participating in the permit approval process closely for the last 2.5 years we see there is zero good faith being put forward by SFMTA and ISCOTT; we are troubled by the lack of representation and necessary understanding for the interests of small business. We continue to question why Head West (an out of county for profit company) is getting carte blanche to operate its events in Hayes Valley.
In an effort to curb the programming we will continue to advocate and mobilize to express the criticality of the ongoing/growing opposition. We hope that 2025 is the year for change on this front.
Hayes Street Closure
We have observed the dwindling use of the street closure post pandemic. Notably the permit holder (HVNA) is in violation of its permit conditions with the continued use by bikes, scooters and skateboarders.
Considering the history of this temporary program we’re perplexed by the position and propaganda being pushed by the HVNA to permanently close Hayes Street. The fact that their ‘car free Hayes’ petition has now changed to the “Hayes promenade’ makes their pr push incredibly tone deaf in our view. We’re concerned that their ongoing efforts to close Hayes will only further divide the neighborhood when merchants are struggling to recover from the pandemic1.
There is more open space in Hayes Valley than other parts of San Francisco
The reasoning for making this temporary weekend closure permanent because there is a need for more open space is unfounded. Hayes Valley is not short on open spaces. Within a mile of this stretch of Hayes Street there are a number of open spaces: Koshland Park, Laguna Mini Park, Civic Center Plaza, Hayes Valley Playground, Memorial Court, Margaret Hayward Playground, Jefferson Park, and Alamo Square. Additionally, the current landscape of Hayes Valley offers several underutilized open spaces/streets ‘as is’ such as Linden Alley, Proxy, Buchanan Mall, Page Street, and vacant parcels R & S.
The Planning Department has identified every alley in the Market Octavia neighborhood as potential “living zones,” 2 – that’s a couple of dozen blocks on which slow streets and pedestrianized/non-car-centric outdoor areas could be developed. We should redirect our focus on these alleys. On any given day these Alleys particularly Linden Alley between Octavia and Gough (which is directly behind Hayes St) is underutilized and could stand a makeover for better optimal social use.
Seizing an Opportunity: Redirecting event efforts on Parcel K
We recently observed poor judgment being applied during an event this month on the street closure that involved programming for children on the east end of Hayes next to Gough. Why are children being positioned to play so close to ongoing traffic?
September 14, 2024 – Saturdays In the City Event
In our view, Proxy/Parcel K (a City parcel) which sits vacant during the street closure ought to be the focus for any efforts along these lines. This would make for a better user experience and safety for all. We need to think critically about the insistence for a closed street that sits right next to Parcel K which is often referenced as a ‘town square/plaza, living room, and critical open space’ – its illogical not to have it used for events.
Simply put, this closure has waned and efforts to revitalize existing open spaces should be the focus. Parcel K and Linden (a living alley) should be rebooted in an effort to optimize the ability to hold outdoor events.
The vitality of this stretch of our merchant corridor is important
We continue to monitor this issue. The current permit term is expiring next month. We’ll report back with an update soon.
Traffic Mitigation
Traffic mitigation continues to be top concern and the lack of reception to our recommendations and requests by the SFMTA and the Supervisor’s office is troublesome. We will keep pressing. We encourage you get involved in our working group.
Community Board on Parcel K
It’s been over a year since the “Community Board” was installed by the HVNA, HVMC and Proxy. We’re still pressing for fairness (via a public facing acknowledgement for HVS and the HVSBA) while we witness the board being used to push and promote their agendas. We’re disappointed with City Hall for continuing to allow this debacle to continue.
We’re hoping for a resolution soon.
Temporary Programs: Proxy and Hayes Valley Clubhouse
We think it’s high time to reassess the use of Proxy and the Hayes Valley Clubhouse as temporary programs.
In the case with Proxy its evident that it won’t get developed for housing any time soon in the foresee-able future3, therefore it makes sense to explore opening it up as a true public space for regular programming events and public seating.
2025 will mark the 14th year since the Hayes Valley Clubhouse rebuild and its occupation by a non profit thus circumventing it from being a true and active community center. We are interested in seeing how we can increase the usage of the Clubhouse in such a way that it is more equitable to all sectors of the community. We are currently putting forth efforts to advance a conversation with Rec and Park with an aim to restore its use back to the community.
Looking ahead:
For the record, we have personally met with District 5 candidates Bilal Mahmood, Scotty Jacobs, and Autumn Looijen. Our conversations with each were constructive and we spent a decent amount of time discussing the aforementioned topics and our positions. We emphasized the need to take a comprehensive assessment of the future of our neighborhood with respect to the conditions and effects of temporary programs and initiatives that are often approached in a piecemeal manner. We also emphasized the need to move beyond the echo chamber of the HVNA to understand and address the diverse perspectives and needs in our neighborhood and small business community.
Irrespective of whether our current supervisor is re-elected for another term or a new one steps into office our focus and positions remain steadfast on these key issues.
1 Data shows SF neighborhoods still havent recovered from pandemic
ref: https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/sales-tax-neighborhood-recovery-19779849.php
2 MOCAC Presentation Living Alleys Market Octavia Hayes Valley
3 https://sfist.com/2024/09/25/hayes-valleys-proxy-likely-to-stick-around-for-years-as-affordable-housing-development-remains-stalled/
