Through this series, we’re documenting what’s happening on the ground, who’s being impacted, and why it matters far beyond just one block.
The prolonged closure of the 400 block of Hayes Street may seem like a hyperlocal decision but it’s become one of San Francisco’s most quietly consequential public space policies. This isn’t just a story about a street. It’s a window into what happens when small business voices are sidelined, when public process breaks down, and when public space is repurposed without public consensus. It’s about who benefits, who’s excluded, and what that says about the future of our neighborhoods.
The Public Space Power Play in Hayes Valley Hayes Valley boasts some of San Francisco’s most expansive and elaborate parklets. Many occupy multiple parking spaces, are outfitted with semi-permanent structures, some so large they’re jokingly referred to as “boat-sized”…and were originally installed during the pandemic to help businesses stay afloat. Most bars and restaurants in the area have since expressed … Read post
Why One Permit Holder’s European Fantasy Is Hurting a Real San Francisco Neighborhood 1. Barcelona is the wrong comparison. Barcelona has entire districts designed around walk-ability with multi-modal transit, wide boulevards, and dense, mixed-use zoning. Hayes Street is one small commercial corridor. Shutting it down without a network of supportive infrastructure doesn’t replicate Barcelona…it isolates it. Key Points: 2. This … Read post
Hayes Street is more than just a place to eat or stroll, it’s a working commercial corridor that small, locally owned businesses and longtime residents depend on. The City is now quietly considering turning the heart of Hayes Valley into a permanent “entertainment zone”, a space with open alcohol, constant programming, and year round street closure. At first glance, it … Read post