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 vision for Hayes Street. What makes this notable is that the permit holder’s established advocacy position is being presented as “the long-term vision” in the same communication asking businesses to participate in a City study intended to inform decisions about the street’s future.

Whose vision is it? Who participated in developing it? And how does it relate to the City’s ongoing process?

Those are important questions as residents, businesses, workers, property owners, and other affected stakeholders consider the future of a public street.