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.
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 isn’t … 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