November 18, 2024
Attention SFMTA:
We support a reopening of Hayes St. We oppose this permit renewal.
The unilateral control that has been granted to the permit holder is problematic. It is dumbfounding that this sketchy-at-best permitting process has yielded a situation where a permit holder has the ability to produce events on a regular basis that compete directly with Hayes Valley independent small business operators. Repeated efforts to underscore the financial harm we are left to endure continues to fall on deaf ears.
We have not been equal partners in any decision making regarding this program. There has been no outreach this past year from any city Agency regarding ongoing developments while we witness a shift to privatizing this street for recreational use while Parcel K sits vacant and a host of other open spaces are available within a mile radius.
There has been a concerted effort (on public record) by those pursuing this closure to negate our right and authority to speak on behalf of our own interest and for our neighbors who share our views on this and other matters. The lack of process and the manipulation of our City leaders, elected and appointed, and self-declared spokespersons for the merchant community has been exhausting and dispiriting.
We ask that you deny this permit renewal. A continuation of this closure will force us to pursue all available options.
Sincerely,
HVSBA