Hayes Closure

When Civic Participation Becomes Adversarial

Holding a different view on the future of a public street should not lead to a courtroom. Yet earlier this year, that is where years of civic advocacy surrounding the use of one block of Hayes Street ultimately led. What began years ago as questions about a temporary street closure gradually became something much larger: a dispute over representation, access, legitimacy, and eventually the nature of civic participation itself. Five months after the court proceeding ended, enough time has passed …

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Whose “Long-Term Vision” for Hayes Street?

The September HVMC/Hayes Valley Merchants Council newsletter encourages businesses to participate in SF Planning’s Public Life Study survey concerning the Hayes Street closure. Immediately below the City’s survey information, HVNA—the permit holder for the Hayes Street closure, branded as Hayes Promenade—describes its goal: “Instead of a weekly street closure, the long-term vision is to create a pedestrian-forward model of Hayes Street that works for pedestrians, businesses, and some motor vehicles when necessary.” HVNA is entitled to advocate for its preferred …

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Update! Agency Correspondence-Vendor Activity and Permit Enforcement in Hayes Valley

READ OUR LATEST CORRESPONDENCE In June 2024, HVS began raising concerns with City agencies regarding ongoing vendor activity operating within the Hayes Street closure area without visible permits or compliance with Shared Spaces requirements. Subsequent correspondence was sent throughout 2024, again in January 2025, August 2025, September 2025, January 2026, March 2026, June 2026, and August 2026 documenting continued vendor activity, recurring permit compliance concerns, and the absence of visible enforcement. Over that period, the activity evolved from a recurring …

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