
In 2011, the Haight Ashbury Merchant's Association (HAMA), the Haight Ashbury Improvement Association (HAIA), the Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council (HANC), and our lovely Cole Valley Improvement Association (CVIA) came together to discuss a new plan for the neighborhood. They wanted to create a more functional and enjoyable neighborhood for both people who live and work in the area, without "gentrifying or altering the character of the neighborhood." You may have seen some parklets and tons more bike racks along Haight, especially near Martin Macks and Haight Street Market. Now, fast forward last night when the neighborhood associations came together to work with Supervisor Olague to further discuss the plans to move forward on the long term project to improve the public spaces along Haight from Central to Stanyan Street.
Uppercasng spoke with a rep of HAMA that the rep stressed that, "they don't want to turn the Haight into a pedestrian mall or tourist trap. What they want to do is to make it so that 'the street reflects the vibrant community that lives and works in the neighborhood.'"
Below is a list of some of the improvements the plan will include:
- improved street lights
- decorations for the holidays (think lights on trees, banners, flags, etc)
- public art installations (think the side of buildings, and the 'listen to this wall' concept)
- planned street closures (think Sunday Streets, fairs, neighborhood events)
Tentatively, the goal for completion for this plan is envisioned for the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, aka 2017.
If you want to get involved and come to one of the community meetings, the next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 24th from 6-7:30pm at Urban School. The HAMA "urge you to 'share your ideas for how the neighborhood's streets and sidewalks function and how to make them more enjoyable, safe, and convenient for residents, workers, and visitors.'"
Blog adapted from Uppercasing's article, "More Details on the Haight Ashbury Improvement Plans."