February 9, 2026
Attention SFMTA:
See closure conditions for this past weekend:
Friday February 6, 2026
Saturday February 7, 2026
This correspondence documents conditions observed during Week 61 of the Hayes Street closure permit. Across both permitted closure days this weekend, none of the basic operational requirements of the permit were met. Conditions remained unchanged from prior weeks, including:
- absence of a delineated emergency access lane,
- lack of posted No Parking signage or lawful public notice,
- no on-site management during closure hours,
- continued unpermitted commercial activity within the public right-of-way.
Equity Implications
As documented this weekend, the closure leaves the block itself underutilized, while surrounding streets absorb the resulting traffic, noise, and congestion. A publicly owned street is being used to benefit a few, while the impacts are borne by many. This does not reflect equitable stewardship of the public right-of-way.
At this point, the issue is no longer episodic noncompliance. It is the continued allowance of a closure that is not being administered as a regulated permit program. The ongoing authorization of this closure, despite a sustained record of violations, raises serious concerns regarding public stewardship and equitable use of the right-of-way. We urge SFMTA to revoke Permit No. 1316522 immediately and restore Hayes Street to its intended, lawful use.
This correspondence has been edited for clarity and conciseness. Routine greetings and contact details have been omitted; the substance of the communication remains unchanged.