Thoughts on Trader Joe’s: Traffic and Parking

Pre Application Meeting Takeaways continued You can read part 1 of our thoughts here. Traffic and parking concerns were at the forefront of the topics covered at the meeting. For a neighborhood plagued with traffic congestion, reckless driving issues and SFMTA continuing to minimize parking options it’s understandable that there are serious concerns of the impacts this chainstore will bring to this area. When pressed TJ’s could not clearly answer about exact parking configuration or proposed solutions to the expected …

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An Open Letter on Public Safety and Crime in San Francisco

We stumbled upon this open letter by Adam Mayer that encapsulates the true essence of what many San Franciscans feel about the state of our city these days in regards to public safety, crime and the accountability of government agenices. It’s an excellent read and we hope it inspires you to have your voice heard. If you feel as strongly as we do about the state of our neighborhood and city we encourage you to connect with us and get …

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More Thoughts on Trader Joe’s

Pre Application Meeting Takeaways Last week’s Pre Application meeting with Trader Joe’s left us with more questions than answers. The overall vibe of the meeting was mixed. On one hand, Trader Joe’s fans expressed overall enthusiasm about the plan. On the other, there was a myriad of concerns expressed by attendees. Concerns fielded at the meeting included topics pertaining to the potential impact that a chain store, especially one of this size, will have on existing independent small businesses in …

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A Take on Recent Merchant Breakins in Hayes Valley

A recent post in Public Comment SF about merchants being hit hard with breakins made our eyes roll a tad due to the outspokenness of a few chairmen of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA). Side note, we think it’s unfortunate the piece did not carry the view of small businesses on the corridor, but we recognize timing isn’t always on one’s side when stories are compiled. The following comments stand out in this piece: “With no tourist cars to …

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Formula Retail Chain Trader Joe’s in Hayes Valley?

The impact of bringing Formula Retail Chain Trader Joe’s to Hayes Valley is not being taken lightly by many long term businesses in the neighborhood, many of whom have shaped the character of the merchant corridor. Even more relevant to this topic is many of them have not been included in any of the discussions regarding Trader Joe’s. Here are just a few thoughts as we head in to Tuesday’s Pre Application Meeting. There is a consensus that there is …

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Freedom West Proposed Development for Golden Gate Ave, Laguna, Fulton and Gough Street

The 382 units of cooperative housing known as “Freedom West” were built in the mid-1970s, with 10 buildings rising up to 35 feet in height across four city blocks that were bulldozed under the guise of an “urban renewal” of the Fillmore District, led by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, in the 1960s. The Ambitious Plans for a Towering Freedom West 2.0 Read more details in today’s SocketSite post here.

Update: Hayes Valley Foot Beat Patrol

While Officers Schiff and Graham have been on the Hayes Valley foot beat for a few months, fellow Officers Tano and Chinawah will be joining them on patrol immediately. The officers will work on what is called “different sides of the watch,” per Captain Yep. “Between the four of them there will be seven days a week coverage” working from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. As two of the officers go off duty on their weekend, the other two will …

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340 & 362 Fell Street

SocketSite put up a real short commentary today on the subject. You can read it here. HVSafe is very concerned with the situation unfolding at 340 & 362 Fell Street as it will potentially displace three of Hayes Valley’s long standing independent businesses: California Detailing Inc, Domport Auto Body, and New Fell St Automotive Inc. HVSafe has been in contact with all three tenants; check back here for more updates as we continue to monitor the process. If you have …

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Just Questions, To Begin

Opinion by George P. Denny Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this commentary are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HVSafe. Dear Neighbors, So, how does it feel to love San Francisco? Take this question in any direction you want, over whatever general period of time you have felt this way. What is it like to pay the costs to live here, what unique perks do you enjoy, and in what direction …

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Hayes Valley Small Independent Businesses Cite Concerns Over Commercial Realtors Seeking to Leverage Pandemic to Allow Chain Stores in Neighborhood

Read the whole article here A recent article in San Francisco Bay Times highlighted three Hayes Valley stores; they checked in with each to discuss the challenging business climate during the pandemic. Some key points and excerpts from this article include: Hayes Valley is one of the last independent shopping neighborhoods in San Francisco. The uniqueness, vibrance, and charm of Hayes Valley is largely due to its restriction on formula retail (aka chain stores). small merchants are also concerned by …

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