Noe Valley Plaza. My meeting with Supervisor Dufty and Andres Power, and the June 30 Meeting.

Hi all -

I had the pleasure to meet with Supervisor Bevan Dufty and Andres
Power from planning, among other people last night. I left the meeting
reasonably optimistic that this project can proceed as planned, though
it will take some time and effort, to show them that there are people
who really do want to try out this project. I definitely got the
message that both Bevan and Andres think that this project is a GOOD
idea!


Andres Power from planning is a tireless worker, very bright, and very
smart. But he, like anyone else, wants to think that what he is doing
matters and makes a difference in people's lives. And I trust his
judgement implicitly. This project has been difficult for him in many
ways. We have good rules in our governmental system to ensure
transparency about what the government does. And some people opposed
to the project don't necessarily trust the process, so they have filed
numerous requests for all sorts of documents, and will almost
certainly exhaust the appeals process to make sure the i's are dotted
and t's are crossed. This is fine, but it means more work for Andres.
And as the primary point man for Pavement to Parks, he will eventually
be making decisions as to whether this project makes sense. Part of
that decision making is based on how much work it is, and part of that
is on how much benefit is gained. That's where we come in - to show
that there are many people who believe this trial project will benefit
our community.


The first thing that came up when I entered the meeting was "How can
we get more people, and more younger people with families who will
really benefit from a space like this, to the meeting!" I said I would
get the word out - basically if we show up to the June 30th meeting
with enthusiastic support, we can do this thing. That is exactly how I
am looking at this - we show up, we get to have our trial plaza.


We discussed the agenda of the meeting. I am 99% certain there will
not be a long drawn out session of public comment - we have done that
already and people can still send emails to Bevan and Andres (and
Gavin Newsom!). This meeting will be more of an informative session
where the City can go over the other alternatives that were
considered, why they were determined to be inadequate or
inappropriate, and how the current plan was selected. They will go
over the traffic measurements that were done, and how they will be
evaluated during a trial. There will be a Q&A session at the end,
hopefully not resulting in a series of rhetorical statements. So I
really hope this will be a meeting that will be informative and
useful.


Now - we can use some help to show Andres and Bevan our support.


This weekend is the Noe Valley Midsummer Fair, from 3 PM - 6 PM on
24th Street. There will be a hayride, face painting, bands, games,
etc... A family friendly event. We would like to get a few volunteers
to stand out there for an hour or two to pass out flyers and talk
about the possibilities with this project, and spread the word that we
need to show support if we want to have a space for people to utilize
on 24th Street the 363 days of the year that we aren't having a
Festival. If you can give us just an hour or two on Saturday, please
send me an email at noevalleypl...@gmail.com or call me (John Murphy)
at 415-515-1095.


Second: Sunday Streets is in the Mission District at 24th/Valencia on
Sunday. We have someone going there in the AM, he could use some help
and we could use some people in the later part of it. There will be
1000's of people there enjoying open pedestrian space and seeing the
same possibilities we can have in Noe Valley. Many of them will be
from Noe Valley, some will be from nearby areas whom our merchants
would love to have visit. If you can help out there, please let me
know.


Finally. The meeting is June 30th. We really need to have a good
turnout. Please try to mark out your calendars. I personally have a 16
month old son and the meeting is at 7:30, past his bedtime. I know
many of you have the same issue. If you can send one person as a
representative, we'll put a sticker on your shirt to show how many
others in your family you are representing. Tell your friends. There
will not be a vote - P2P will make decisions, but we can influence
that decision with our friendly faces in the audience.


Thanks for listening.


John

CORRECTION June 23 - NOT the official date of next meeting

It appears that the next public outreach meeting is still in flux. Stay tuned. Please sign the petition and tell your friends!

Sign the Petition Here!

Online Petition Available, please sign up!

Hi All -

We are now rallying up in prep for the next public meeting, which is TBD at St Philip's. I'll announce exact date/time/location when it's solid.

For now, we need to start the e-barrage to show the level of support for this project.

One thing those who don't like the ideal of this trial have done is collect a petition. We decided we might as well do the same. Rumor has it they have 500 names. I know we have much more support than that!

We decided to do this one online. It is available at

http://www.noevalleyplaza.com/

Please "sign" and forward this on to your friends. We do need your US Mail address because we want to be very clear about who has signed the petition to show local as well as non-local support. We won't use it for anything other than that.

While you're at it, please do send a mail of support to our friends at City Hall. And they are our friends, but they need to see our support.

Gavin.Newsom@sfgov.org
Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org
Andres.Power@sfgov.org
noevalleyplaza@gmail.com

Over the next few weeks we'll get out on the streets as well, Farmer's Market, bus stops, parks, etc...
If anyone wants to help out, drop us a line at noevalleyplaza@gmail.com - we can provide flyers/cards/etc... to pass out. Or just stop by and say Hi! And if you have interesting ideas, please do show us the way.

Thanks! And let's Just Try It!

New Noe Valley Plaza Flyer

Available here.

Noe

Say YES to a Plaza Trial - Improve Public Space on 24th Street

Now is our chance to improve 24th Street!
At community planning meetings in 2006-2007 residents called for more public space along 24th Street. In response to these community wishes, the Noe Valley Association (NVA) won a grant for more public space. Together with the City’s Pavement to Parks program, we now have the unique opportunity to have a community plaza on Noe Street at 24th on a trial basis.

A Trial Community Plaza to See What Works
The proposed temporary plaza would close about sixty feet of Noe St. just south of 24th St. for an attractive community space where kids can play, where neighbors can gather and socialize, and where the community can sit, drink, eat, socialize, and or rest while strolling and shopping in the area. By giving pedestrians a safe space on Noe St., the plaza will also improve traffic at the 4-way stop intersection, which is a frequent bottleneck. A similar plaza has improved public space, local business and pedestrian safety in the Castro. What is being proposed is a TRIAL run to see if the community supports a permanent plaza in this location.

Some opponents have organized to block this community space in Noe Valley. They have contacted Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who will decide whether the plaza trial will (1) go forward, (2) be replaced with an alternate proposal for sidewalk seating “parklets,” or (3) get shut down entirely. Opponents are trying to kill the plaza before even seeing what works for residents.

Let’s make Noe a great place to go TO, not drive THROUGH!
“Plazas for the People” is a group of neighbors that want to give the trial plaza a shot. We are not anti-car, nor are we adamant about a permanent plaza. However, we DO believe in testing out a possible vision for a neighborhood hub. If the majority of Noe Valley residents feel that the plaza isn’t working after the trial run, it goes back to the way it was. Let’s give it a shot and see what works.


Show your support for improving public space in Noe Valley:
Attend the upcoming community meeting - date TBD - St. Philips Church
Diamond St. entrance between 24th & Elizabeth, in downstairs community room.

E-mail Supervisor Bevan Dufty at mailto:Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org
(and copy Andres.Power@sfgov.org). Bevan needs to hear from you and see you at the meeting!

More info on Pavement to Parks projects here

Bob Roddick's Talking Point Series on the Noe Valley Plaza.

Bob Roddick is the Chair of the NVA Board and is looking forward to the trial of the plaza at 24th and Noe. He has collected several of the "Talking points" of those opposed to the plaza and is running a series of emails rebutting them. We'll run the countdown here. I'm enabling comments so we can openly discuss. No personal attacks please.


TALKING POINT 1: They claim that it will increase congestion, especially at a corner that is crowded and difficult to cross.

The Plaza will result in the elimination of all cross traffic, thereby cutting in half any reason for congestion. One of the four crosswalks will no longer be subject to cross vehicles, eliminating one-fourth of the auto to pedestrian hazard. Their Talking Point is utterly false. Noe and 24th will become safer for all. Further improvements can be made, such as restricting any left turns, but this is something that needs to be discussed and well thought out. That is why we need a trial. Our Noe Valley neighbors are the bedrock of our community.

TALKING POINT 2: It removes parking when we need parking.

The general consensus of the Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association is that the forfeiture of four metered parking spaces on Noe Street was and is worth the benefits of the Plaza. Like the benches, the trees and the flower baskets placed throughout the Community Benefit District by the Merchants or the Noe Valley Association, the Plaza will only serve to make Noe Valley a more pleasant and congenial place to live, shop and visit.

Parking is the life blood of the commercial corridor; however, with the placement of the Plaza the east bound bus zone on 24th at Noe can be moved forward to the Plaza, thus providing at least five to six more parking spaces. Or the bus zones could be changed to in-line coach stops, such as the ones on 24th at Sanchez Streets, adding seven to nine parking spaces.

The Noe Plaza gives us the opportunity to increase parking, not diminish it. This becomes part of the planning effort. That is why we need a trial. Don't deny our neighbors the experience and this vital opportunity.

TALKING POINT 3: It's confused and seems to grab upon everything and anything; therefore, I will quote it exactly, "Urban planning does not change needs. Encouraging public transit is fine, but people, especially the disabled, senior citizens, those with children or shoppers who wish to buy several thing(s), will not take their kids, bags and stuff on a dysfunctional public transportation system or ride bikes. They will simply shop or eat elsewhere - someplace with parking."

Quite frankly, I don't understand their point. Nevertheless, I will address its parts.

As to the reference to parking, I refer you to my response of yesterday to "Talking Point 2". In all probability we will gain parking, not lose it.

Additionally, it amazes me because this sudden concern for parking is being raised by the very people that vehemently opposed the installation of parking meters in front of the commercially zoned businesses at the intersection of Castro and Jersey. There are four commercially zoned properties with twelve curb parking spots that legally ought to be made available to the general public, especially the disabled, senior citizens, those with children or shoppers who wish to buy several things. The Plaza is specifically designed to include these very individuals. It's a place to stop, rest, enjoy life, partake in an urban picnic and get to know your neighbors.

We have a fine transportation system. Noe Valley is the center of the entire transportation system. Castro at 24th Street is the hub. From that intersection one can catch a bus to anywhere in the city. The 24 Divisadero crosses the City north to south. It goes to Marina Greens, crosses Market, connects northbound with the Underground Muni Metro and the Market Transit System, and southbound with the 10 Monterey and J Church, crosses Mission and continues to Bayview/Hunter's Point. The 48 Quintara crosses the City east to west from Downtown along Mission, connects with BART and the Mission Street Bus System, crosses the J Church line, the 24 Divisadero and the 35 Eureka, going all the way to the beach, not to mention the 35 Eureka that covers the Noe Valley Highlands.

Urban planning addresses problems, serves the needs of the community and improves our quality of life. Clearly, that is what we are trying to accomplish with the Noe Valley Plaza. With a coach stop at the Plaza it will encourage a more comfortable, warm and easier approach to our daily routine.

TALKING POINT 4: "Its not a park; it's the middle of the street," is simply an attempt at Sloganeering. Take a good look at the graphics attached. It's a real plaza for the people.

Of course its in the street, that's the whole idea of the Mayor's Pavement to Parks program. More city acreage is dedicated to city streets and the automobile than to actual parks and playgrounds. The only available area to improve the park and playground ratio for better living and community involvement is by the use of our neighborhood streets. The Noe Valley Plaza is truly a first of a kind. It's the gem of the whole program and puts us in the forefront of Urban Design for the future.

Let it be noted that the street area in question is not situated outside the Noe Valley Association, Community Benefit District. It is in front of two properties owned by two of our contributing property owners, that voted selflessly to pay a special annual tax assessment to clean, green, maintain, secure and beautify our Noe Valley 24th Street Corridor, The Community Benefit District.

TALKING POINT 5: States that the plaza is in the middle of the only through way to Davies Hospital. That emergency vehicles will have to detour or go through the plaza, placing people in harm's way. Additionally, that the plaza will delay one from going across town.

Church Street goes all the way to Duboce and the thoroughfare is mostly level, or as level as San Francisco gets. Dolores goes through to Market and one can easily go up 14th Street to the hospital. A simple turn onto Castro and you're taken directly to Davies Hospital at 450 Castro Street and the entry to their parking facility. All of these routes are traffic corridors with arterials and without any 'cross' parking. Noe Street, as it boarders Market, is congested with the F Street Car turn about and five to six blocks of perpendicular 'cross' parking.

More importantly Noe Street is a residential street, ought to remain a residential street, and as any driver knows, its the steepest route to Market Street from Noe Valley.

The Plaza is designed to admit emergency vehicles, not to provide a thoroughfare. Emergency vehicles may need to go onto the plaza for the placement of the aerial truck for the ladder extension or the engine for pump placement to service and protect the adjacent property, but they would never race through it. I am a retired San Francisco Firefighter and an ex-pump operator, engine driver, and hoseman and an ex-truckman, driver and tillerman. As a driver I would know the quickest and safest route to any address in my given neighborhood. That was my job. There are many split streets and end streets in Noe Valley. Hill Street starts, stops and then starts and stops again. Kronquist is a cul-de-sac. Just to name two. A skilled engine, aerial truck or ambulance driver worth his or her salt will know the street characteristics necessary to accomplish the job. No one would be put in harm's way.

This talking point is simply a scare tactic and I don't believe that going around the plaza will create any major delays for anyone.

TALKING POINT 6: "No traffic or environmental studies have been done, so how do we measure success or failure?"

The studies are being conducted by the Department of Planning, according to Andrews Powers. They have begun to gather the traffic data concerning the intersection of Noe and 24th Streets and along Jersey Street. Once the trial is put in place, then they will gather and tabulate the new information. This is the only way to test and measure the true impact of the Noe Valley Plaza. Without a trial there can be no informed and adequate study.

To block the Noe Valley Plaza Trial is to deprive our friends and neighbors of this wonderful opportunity. The trial is critical to the planning effort. We need a trial. Don't deny our neighbors the experience and this vital opportunity.

The bottom line is public opinion. A true and fair measure of public opinion requires the trial. The public, including our neighbors surrounding the Plaza, needs to be able to measure the benefits and the detriments. We have this opportunity. Try it.

TALKING POINT 7: Refers to the graphics as "sheer fantasy" and asks us to "Compare the reality of Castro & 17th or Guerrero and San Jose."

As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Our pictures are worth three thousand words. Look what the Noe Valley Association has done with the 24th Street Corridor. It's been five years and the trees have rooted and bloomed and the flower baskets blossom regularly, and more benches and planter boxes have been installed. The beautification of the 24th Street Corrdior is a continuous work in progress.

Sheer fantasy is right. We can make the Noe Valley Plaza into anything we want. Yes, the trees will be lush and 15 feet tall, the bushes will be large, sprouting their foliage and the arbor could be twined with blue and white jasmine. The fragrance would be as pleasant as the Plaza itself.

My hobby is gardening and I could go on and on. John McClaren paved the way with Golden Gate Park and his wonderful gift of McClaren Park. Let's green Noe Valley. We have been given this opportunity. Try it.

TALKING POINT 8: "The other "parklets" are in odd shaped areas, none blocked major thoroughfares."

The Talking point is correct in that a 'major thoroughfare" will be blocked, but that's as far as it goes.

The point is misleading in that we are not preparing a trial for a 'parklet' but a Noe Valley Plaza, large enough to allow our neighbors the space off the sidewalk to safely gather, to relax and to enjoy all that Noe Valley has to offer. As previously pointed out, "the further the distance between the pedestrian and the moving vehicle, the safer and greater the use by the pedestrian community."

The point is also misleading in that both of the other Pavement to Park projects do block thoroughfares. Whether they are major or not, depends upon one's point of view. I used 17th Street regularly, especially when it originally crossed Market. I adjusted and so did others. One simply finds a better route. Crossing Market is now easier and safer. Eureka Valley is better for it.

The Eureka Valley Neighborhood has made the 17th and Market Parklet permanent. Their trial proved their worries and concerns wrong. Trees were planted last weekend and now the project is beginning to evolve and will mature.

In order to provide more public open space and to green our neighborhoods, we have no alternative but to look at our streets. Just as we now separate our waste to protect our environment, one needs to re-think the grid and our familiar habits. The entire purpose of the Pavement to Parks program, whether it be in New York, Chicago or San Francisco, is to find a better use of our city for the improvement of the quality of living for our residents. That means all of our residents.

TALKING POINT 9: "The 17th and Castro "parklet" is unpopular with local residents and merchants," and "The space gets very little use, except late at night by vagrants and inebriated."

These two talking points are utterly false and apparently have been put forward to scare our neighbors into opposition.

As stated in my previous response, the 17th and Castro Parklet has become permanent after an extended trail. The neighborhood and the merchant community were in support. The major opposition came from residents on Hartford street who had the same concerns about diverted traffic; however, during the trial they soon discovered that their fears did not materialize. In fact, Hartford is now more quiet than ever.

In response #8 it was pointed out that the Eureka Valley Neighborhood has made the 17th and Market Parklet permanent. Their trial proved their worries and concerns wrong. Trees were planted last weekend and now the project is beginning to evolve and will mature.

As far as their reference to the eleven people survey, that was only survey published, even that one was positive. The Mayor, the Planning Department, and Supervisor Dufty would not force anything on their own constituency, especially in an election year.

The accusation that the parklet is only used by vagrants and inebriated is truly unfair and cruel. This is not the case. Just drive or walk past the parklet and you will find people sitting, talking or just watching life. It is used by all of the people. Many pedestrians waiting for the bus get a cup of coffee or not, and go to the parklet to wait because it is more spacious and gives one a better sense of safety than standing on the crowded sidewalk.

In the evening the furniture is collected and brought inside. The Noe Valley Association will be making arrangements to do the very same thing. The furniture will be brought inside at night, the grounds and garbage cans will be swept and emptied, and the planters will be watered, just as we do for all of 24th Street.

Lastly, the San Francisco Police Department when consulted by City Planning found no difficulty concerning the policing the area. After all, the police are present. On any given night one can find numerous police vehicles at 24th and Noe. During the day, Noe Valley has been assigned a 'Beat Cop'. Our own officer Lorraine Lombardo. The police are doing an excellent job for Noe Valley and are truly welcome.

TALKING POINT 10: "No one knows how much will it cost to have and how often will the area be guarded by SFPD"

We don't know if there will be additional cost to protect the Noe Plaza and we don't know how often the SFPD will patrol the area.

However, as pointed out in the previous response to the opposition Talking Point, "the San Francisco Police Department when consulted by City Planning found no difficulty concerning the policing of the area. After all the Police are present. On any given night one can find numerous police vehicles at 24th and Noe. During the day Noe Valley has been assigned a 'Beat Cop', our own Officer Lorraine Lombardo. The Police are doing an excellent job for Noe Valley and are truly welcome."

This is one of the many issues the Noe Valley Association deals with on a regular basis. When the lure to predators increases, as with the holiday shopping season, the safety of our residents, neighbors and visitors becomes a primary concern. That is why the NVA contracted with the San Francisco Special Police to provide added patrols of the 24th Street Corridor during the holiday season. If necessary, the NVA is prepared to seriously look at this, if it is a problem for the Noe Valley Plaza.

Security is a constant concern. Let's face it, the SFPD can not be everywhere. The San Francisco Special Police are engaged on an merchant by merchant contract basis to currently patrol the Commercial Corridor. The holiday patrols were additional. Furthermore, the Merchant Association is upgrading their merchant to merchant Alert System to be activated instantly by email alert. We have one of the safest neighborhoods in San Francisco and we are right next door to a very high crime area.

Maybe this difference is due to all of our vigilance, not just the vigilance of the Noe Valley Association and the Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association, which is constant. The safety of the community is always foremost in our thoughts.

TALKING POINT 11: "We don't know who or what entity is responsible for any accidents or incidents that happen in the plaza."

The leader of the opposition knows full well who or what entity is responsible for accidents or incidents that happen on public property. This is just another scare tactic used to frighten their neighbors into opposition.

As on any public land, be it a park, roadway, intersection or within a crosswalk, the responsible party is liable, whether it be the City and County or a particular person or persons that by a personal or negligent act injures another party or property.

This is a very non-issue.

TALKING POINT 12: "A plaza will increase noise level and the amount of garbage in the area, especially for those who live on Noe."

These are legitimate issues, that must be addressed. We are convinced that with the trial, even the staunchest opposition will be convinced that the Noe Valley Plaza is a good idea.

It is assumed with the expected use and popularity of the Noe Valley Plaza that the noise level will be increased, but how would it effect our neighbors?

This is an issue that will need measuring, but that is exactly why we need a trial.

As to the garbage, it to is expected to increase; however, the Noe Valley Association is forever diligent in the collection and removal of waste, litter and debris. During the course of any given year, the Noe Valley Association has quickly and efficiently removed hundreds of items dumped on the 24th Street Corridor and has routinely collected and emptied the conveniently paced trash containers. Keeping the Noe Valley Plaza clean and free of garbage and litter is not seen as a problem.

Nevertheless, garbage and litter and its collection are just another reason for a trial. Since the Noe Valley Association has assumed the stewardship of the plaza, we are most interested in these important issues.

TALKING POINT 13: a) States that those most effected have had and will have no say in what happens on their doorsteps. They were never consulted about the location, the design or the consequences; and b) "(Y)et because the plaza is an extension of their sidewalks, they may be held legally responsible for accidents."

Because this talking point 13a is compound in nature, unfortunately, the response is going to be involved.

This Talking Point 13a is false. The Mayor's premature announcement caught all of us off guard. I hadn't even have an opportunity to see the possible plans and proposals developed by the San Francisco Planning Department. They were to be presented as possibilities at the first community meeting which was unscheduled. That's where I saw the plans for the first time. See attached graphics, visualize the possibilities.

When the Noe Valley Association was voted into existence, numerous public meetings were conducted to find out the needs and wants of the Noe Valley Community. Public announcements were made and all of Noe Valley, including the opposition, was invited. The Master Plan was established after extensive community input. The salient point from the community was that our neighbors wanted an open space, a neighborhood center or plaza.

The Mayor's Pavement to Parks program required an established community organization to sponsor the program and take on the responsibility of stewardship.

The Noe Valley Association has stepped to the plate, the people of Noe Valley have been given this opportunity. The procedure calls for a trial period and for community discussion for the purpose of implementation of the trial, in order to assess its true value. We have had one community meeting; however, it was manipulated into an organized filibuster. The opposition has had their opportunity for input. Now let's discuss, together, the implementation of the trial. So that we can truly assess the benefits and the detriments.

The NVA is the organization that planted the trees now in bloom, has established a pruning schedule, brought you the hanging flower baskets, the Easter Egg Hunt, Harvest Festival, Lights 24th Street during the holidays in partnership with the Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association and much, much more.

Managing the Streetscape is not as easy as one thinks. It takes constant attention.

CLEANING: The streets must be swept daily and the sidewalks steam cleaned quarterly. When we say clean, we mean clean. Contracts must be let and the NVA must be forever vigilant to see that the job gets done in a congenial and expeditious manner.

GREENING: The NVA has planted over 137 trees, placed numerous flower baskets, installed benches and large planters, and engaged a Horticulturist for their nurturing and upkeep, and to care for all of those mature trees along 24th Street, as well.

We have the means, the experience and the organization to maintain, nurture and green the Noe Valley Plaza. The Noe Plaza will be greened, maintained, and cleaned by the Noe Valley Association.

TALKING POINT 13b: Is also completely false. The person spreading this rumor of liability ought to know better. It is simply a scare tactic. The leader of the opposition is in business dealing with real property and knows full well that the plaza is not part of the sidewalk. No liability will attach.

TALKING POINT 14: States that the trial is merely an excuse not to do proper surveys, and that once in place the plaza would be difficult to remove.

The Mayor's Pavement to Parks program is not a trick. It's a program to improve our quality of living and can only be made permanent after a suitable trial period and approval by the community. The Department of Planning is presently collecting data concerning traffic on the present use of the intersection at Noe and 24th Streets and Jersey Street in anticipation of the trial. One can spot the vehicle counters that have been laid across the roadway.

Additionally, the City will only implement the trial on a temporary basis, nothing permanent will be installed.

The information that the trial will gather and the impact upon the community, as a whole, is of the utmost concern. The opportunity that the trial brings ought not to be taken from us by those living on near by streets. Parks, no matter where they are placed, are adjacent to or opposite dwellings. Give it a chance. Participate-don't obstruct.

No matter where a park is located and no matter the design, a trail needs to be conducted. We need the community meeting. We need to discuss the implementation. The Noe Valley Association does not want to maintain anything that the community, as a whole, does not want and which would not be beneficial to the community as a whole. We need a Trail to weigh the benefits and the detriments.

TALKING POINT 15: States that the further people get from the plaza, the more they like it and that visiting the plaza for an hour or two is very different from having the plaza at your door step.

As to the first part, some of our neighbors on Noe and Jersey like the plaza idea and are very supportive while others are not. As to the second point concerning visiting the plaza, that is entirely true.

Parks have to be located somewhere. We are not insensitive, but just maybe, most of those adjacent or near the plaza might like it. No matter where a park is located and no matter the design, a trial needs to be conducted. We need the community meeting. We need to discuss the implementation. We need to address and mitigate our neighbor's concerns.

The Noe Valley Association does not want to maintain anything that the community does not want and which would not be beneficial to the community as a whole. We need a Trail to weigh the benefits and the detriments.

The NVA was formed when the property owners on the 24th Street Commercial Corridor agreed to selflessly tax themselves on an annual basis for the improvement of the Community Benefit District. This runs roughly along 24th Street from Church to Diamond, plus asides, and includes Castro from 24th for one and one-half block, the 24th and Douglass intersection and the Douglass play ground. The City collects the tax and forwards the funds to the NVA. The NVA is a nonprofit and is managed by a board of directors. Our funds are limited, however, our success in obtaining grants is phenomenal. The Noe Valley Association is not interested in supporting a plaza that does not have the support of the community.

We are whole heartedly in support of the proposal and believe that once a trial is underway the community will be in favor, including those adjacent as well. And that a neighborhood center, where neighborhood activities can be conducted and presented, will benefit the entire community; and that the Noe Valley Plaza will be a model for future urban design.

TALKING POINT 16: "There are alternatives - alternative locations in Noe Valley, alternatives designs with less disruptive elements."

In one man's opinion the best location for a plaza is actually on Noe at 24th Street. The reasons are many. The streets are the only areas large enough to accommodate a plaza. The parking lot is out of the question because it is the only lot we have and it is committed. The pitch of Noe at this location is minimal and the lowest of all the cross streets, making it easier to establish a level plaza. Noe is extra wide. The location is right smack in the middle of the Commercial Corridor which is from Church to Diamond and therefore would be most serviceable to the entire community. Lastly, the naming is correct. What better place for a Noe Valley Plaza that at 24th and Noe Streets

Yes, alternate designs may be possible, but we were never given the chance to discuss them. The parklet is out of the question because it gives up too much and receives too little. Additionally, because parklets are level with the sidewalks and the sidewalk is pitched, any parklet at this location would be irregular, in that it will have to be terraced which would lose the extension of the sidewalk and defeat its overall purpose.

Today, the Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association's Board of Directors voted unanimously in support of the trial for the Noe Valley Plaza. Find below a copy of the resolution for your review and transmittal letter to the Noe Valley Voice. This Sunday's Chronicle Parade reported that surveys have proven that outdoor seating areas, such as the proposed plaza, boosts foot traffic by 20%, retail sales by 10% and property values by 7%. No one loses. The community has a place to sit, relax and meet their neighbors safely, the merchants' business is improved and the closer one lives to the plaza the higher their property values go. Everyone's quality of life is improved. It's a win win situation. No one loses.
TALKING POINT 17: Asks, "Why Noe Valley?"
Because we are the Noe Valley Association, A Community Benefit District, and we serve the Noe Valley neighborhood.

TALKING POINT 18: States that Noe Valley streets were greener 20 years ago.

I am a native Noe Valleyan, have lived here all of my sixty-five plus years. I don't know what city they are talking about. The streets were barren of trees and there were no strips of green and gardens in front of homes. The only street with green was Dolores Street and the gardens in front of homes were removed before WWII to make way for garages. This is more of a fantasy than their reference in Talking Point 7. This version of "green" is false.

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Dear Neighbors:

As promised, I have completed responding to all 18 of the opposition's Talking Points.

Of all eighteen, I believe four are real concerns that need to be addressed. They are:
1) The actual effect it will have on our neighbors on Noe and Jersey Streets which includes the other three;
2) The amount of noise, if any, and garbage and litter abatement;
3) The security issues, if any; and
4) The traffic issues for our neighbors on Jersey Street and throughout.

The issues of noise, garbage and litter abatement and security are issues that the Noe Valley Association and the City of San Francisco is constantly dealing with and will continue to manage.
As to the other issues we have suggestions.
a) All delivery trucks ought to be prohibited from using the cul de sac of Noe.
b) Signage ought to be posted at Castro on Jersey and at Sanchez on Jersey alerting all that Noe is closed at 24th Street;
c) Speed bumps could be placed along Jersey Street between Sanchez and Castro Streets with appropriate signage. Just like the one on 21st between Sanchez and Noe Streets. They will stop excess traffic and speeders and may be a solution to their current problems;
d) The best solution is for the City to install a Left Turn Arrow arterial at Northbound Dolores at 24th Street, much like the one at 20th and at Cesar Chavez, also on Dolores. We used to be able to turn left onto 24th Street from Dolores. This is the natural gateway to the 24th Street Commercial Corridor and it ought to be reinstated. This simple change would essentially stop most of the current traffic from using Jersey as a transit corridor. Vehicles go along Jersey and don't turn until they get to their parallel destination on the Commercial Corridor. A three way arterial at 24th and Dolores Streets would make for a more peaceful Jersey Street between Dolores as far as Castro and 25th Street as well; and
e) Restrict all deliveries by triple axle and six wheeled vehicles in Noe Valley. Other neighborhoods in San Francisco have such restrictions! I understand that no triple axle or six wheeled vehicles or any excessively large delivery trucks are allowed inside the cities of New York or Chicago. Not only would this solve a myriad of other problems and concerns, but would reduce the circling trucks throughout Noe Valley, especially on our side streets such as Jersey.

Although this will increase the number of vehicles because we're using twice the number to deliver the same product, the deliveries are made in half the time with half of the disruption.
We were prepared to raise these very thoughts, suggestions and more at the community meeting but discussion was prohibited.

These concerns, although legitimate, are not sufficient to preclude a trial. Nor do I believe that when the trial goes forward, they will be sufficient to block the installation of a Noe Valley Plaza for the benefit of the entire Noe Valley neighborhood. A few ought not to block the plaza for the entire neighborhood. It's called democracy.

We need a real community meeting to address these issues, to solve them or to mitigate them. --We need real leadership.-- We need a trial to properly survey the community response. Let's face it. This will be the last time you are ever given such an opportunity. You have been given this one. Don't let it slip away. Try it.

Thank you for your patience and consideration.

The purpose of the trail is to measure the benefits and the detriments. The purpose of the planning sessions is to discuss and implement ways to minimize the negative impact, if any. Let's green Noe Valley. We have been given this opportunity. Try it.

If you agree, have comment, want to elaborate, or are simply for the trial, please, forward your support and comments to the Big-3: Gavin.Newsom@sfgov.org; Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org; Andres.Power@sfgov.org, plus: noevalleyplaza@gmail.com.

If it isn't broken, don't fix it. But what if it is broken?

On the Noe Valley SF Blog , we find that The French Tulip, a flower shop in Noe Valley is closed. Here is a statement from the owner of French Tulip.

Due to dwindling sales and factors beyond our control we were forced to close the doors in early April and have since dissolved the business. This was not something that was easy for us to do after owning the shop for the past 8 years and working there for nearly 6 more. It was with heavy hearts and even heavier financial debt that we were forced to close.

It is difficult to be small business owners in today's economy, many changes we've watched over the past 14 years have surprised and shocked us. We'd like to remind everyone that in order to keep local shops open your business is crucial. While it is too late for us, there are several other Noe Valley businesses on the brink of closure. Rather than save $5 at the grocery store or large retail outlet consider shopping with small local merchants. They need you now more than ever.

-Laetitia Phelps

there are several other Noe Valley businesses on the brink of closure

The argument that the street needs to remain as is to help merchants is a bit of a stretch given that statement. Pedestrian plazas attract more customers to business areas who stay longer, spend more money, and inject vitality to the area. 24th Street could use some help. Let's try this.

Pixie Hall Studios providing classes for Children during the next P2P meeting

The last P2P meeting April 8 was well attended, but a major complaint was that people with young children were having trouble getting babysitters and thus could not attend the meeting. Given that families with young children are a large demographic in the neighborhood today, this is problematic.

Enter Pixie Hall Studios

Located across the street from St Philip's School, Pixie Hall is an Art Studio with classes for young children. While we are still finalizing details, the owner, Noe Valley resident Kristin Scagliotti has graciously offered to run a class during the next P2P meeting, most likley from 6:30-8 PM so that the young ones can get a little fun in the Art Studio, allowing parents to participate in the P2P meeting.

The most important detail is obviously "What date is the meeting?" That is a detail without an answer beyond "late May".

As I said, details are still being finalized, but if you are interested, please email noevalleyplaza@gmail.com

Tell Bevan Dufty, Andres Power, and Gavin Newsom you support the trial plaza on Noe at 24th

Andres Power from Pavement to Parks sent this email to people who had written previously supporting the plaza trial. And also to those opposed, I assume!

Dear Noe Valley Community Member,

I would like to thank you for taking the time to send an email expressing
your opinions and thoughts about the proposed Noe Valley Pavement to Park.
We have received hundreds of emails, both supportive of and opposed to the
trial, and unfortunately, we cannot respond individually to each. I would
like to assure you that every email has been read and noted. Based on
comments we heard at the April 8th community meeting, we are conducting
some additional analysis in advance of a meeting tentatively scheduled for
late May. I will send out an email invitation for the next meeting as the
date gets a bit closer.

Again, thanks for taking the time to make your voice heard. It's much
appreciated.

Best,

Andres
Pavement to Parks Project Manager

There will be another meeting in May. We need a great turnout for that meeting - in the meantime we can keep the pressure on by making sure that everyone has expressed their support in writing.

Send an email to the following people to show your support for the trial plaza.
Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org
Andres.Power@sfgov.org
Gavin.Newsom@sfgov.org

When you do, please Cc: noevalleyplaza@gmail.com

Please include your mailing address so that the location of supporters is clear to the City and for verification purposes.

Who is the Noe Valley Association? What do they do?

Good questions, actually posed by a plaza opponent at the meeting.

The Noe Valley Association is the Community Business District that collects money from a parcel tax on 24th Street from Church to Douglass, and uses that money in the district. A lot of what they do is basically "keep 24th Street clean". The people you see sweeping up 24th Street (and the side streets)? Paid for by the NVA.

Tree planting on 24th? Flower baskets? Fixing up the corner trash cans? That's the NVA. Here is a snippet from an email I got from Bob Roddick, the President of the NVA.

For several years the SF Water (Sewer) and SF Planning have been pushing for permeable sidewalks and more open spaces to lessen the burden on the sewer system and more importantly to lessen the annual flooding of our neighbors at Lower 24th Street. The more water that the earth absorbs the better the overall environment. The Noe Valley Association has opened the sidewalks more fully with each on the 137 new tree plantings and has encouraged the property owners within the Community Benefit District to open their sidewalks to more and more planting. See the fronts of Just For Fun and on either side of Southside of Noe at 24th Street and in front of Whole Foods with the open space wherever possible and the donated benches.

There are a lot of things that go on behind the scenes in making a neighborhood work. I didn't know much about the NVA until the plaza issue came up. Since I met Bob Roddick and Debra Niemann (the Executive Director) I have been really shocked at how much work they do, things that we just take for granted. They work hard and if they hear about a problem, they think "OK, how do we fix that", not "Bummer"

Benches? What benches?




The day after the Plaza Outreach Meeting, Debra Niemann was out there overseeing installation of a nice new bench on the sidewalk at Bernie's.

And yes, the NVA was involved in writing the grant application for the Noe Valley Plaza and securing funding for the trial.

Their board meetings are monthly, posted on their website. Get involved!

Say Yes to Noe Valley Community Space

24th Street is not just a great street, it’s a public space. And Noe Valley knows it. Up and down 24th street, people linger, socialize, eat, drink, stroll, sit and relax on the street. Kids play, dogs rest, people watch on the sidewalk. On benches, in pocket parks, at the farmer’s market, on curbs – Noe Valley is alive with community, people, activity.

At the same time, the 24th Street is crowded. This means a successful street! Families are out, businesses thrive, neighbors talk. Seen another way, it can be a limit on community space and even dangerous. Pedestrians step into the street to skirt crowds, kids have little room for running or scooting, parents clamor for control, drivers scrutinize for parking and not the pedestrians in their midst.

It is time that 24th Street addresses what the community calls out for not with words, but with actions. The community’s actions scream for more public space, play space, sitting space, safe space. Merchants put out benches, because they know it brings more business. Pocket park seating, sidewalk bulbouts and enhanced crosswalks have begun to answer the demands also. But they are not enough. They do not significantly address the need for more public space, sitting space and safe space off the roadway.

It’s time to see what works for the Noe Valley community; it’s time to create adequate public space. The City’s Pavement to Parks program is doing just this. Around San Francisco, local groups have partnered with the City to transform underused streets with unnecessary conflicts into safe public spaces – on a trial basis. If it doesn't work, there is no commitment to the trial design. Any Saturday or Sunday along 24th Street is testament to how perfectly suited the idea is for 24th Street.

The Noe Valley Association has partnered with the City to bring a Pavement to Parks trial public space to Noe and 24th – the 100% corner of community and sidewalk activity. One option for the trial is a plaza that extends 60 feet down Noe from 24th Street. It would not only increase people space adjacent to a major pedestrian hub. It would also create an entire block free of through-traffic. In and adjacent to the plaza, kids will have more space to learn how to bike, scoot on scooters, or play games. Neighbors could meet without squeezing on a sidewalk. Others could host events, if desired. The other option would increase sidewalk space, seating and planting through two “parklets,” on either side of Noe, while maintaining through traffic. A trial is the quickest and cheapest way to test what works for Noe Valley . It is way to say “yes” to something based on facts, not “no” based on fears.

It’s time we say yes to what the community is screaming for. Time to say yes to safer streets and fewer conflict points. To say yes to parks, not pavement. Yes to more play space. And yes to finding solutions. It’s time to say Yes Noe Valley.

Email Bevan Dufty to say YES to a trial public space.

Tell him YES in person on Thursday, April 8th at 6:30 in St. Philips.

Summary from Castro Businesses regarding 17th/Castro plaza.

Business Summary

Noe Valley Association FAQ's on the Noe Valley Plaza

Click "Fullscreen" to get the fullsize (readable!) view of the FAQ's from the Noe Valley Association.

P2P+Questions+and+Answers+From+the+NVA

Will the plaza be big enough for my 2 year old to walk around?

To me, one of the compelling arguments for the plaza concept at Noe and 24th, is that it gives the neighborhood's large kids/dogs demographic a spot right on 24th St where they can get off the sidewalk, sit, and let their kid walk around or have space for their dog to lie down without worrying about blocking the sidewalk.

The question arises - would this be akin to letting your kid play in the street, dangerously close to cars?

Let's take a look.



On the left is the Upper Noe Playground. On the right, is Noe Street. The proposed plaza is half the size of Upper Noe Playground, more than enough room for public interaction, places to sit, and yes - to get your child out of the stroller and let him or her stretch their legs a bit (under your watchful supervision of course!).

Sketches of the Noe Valley Plaza

There has been some concern from those worried about the plaza that the plaza will be "ugly".

Allow me to allay those concerns! These are simply a first pass of what could be, that everything- from overall design to what type of trees are used to planter box placement to chair type to surface materials will all require further neighborhood input before anything is put in place.

Here is a view of the plaza from a bird's eye view from the Southwest (from Noe Street behind Rabat).



And here is the plaza from eye level, looking from the Northeast (from in front of Starbucks).

Say YES to a Plaza Trial - Improve Public Space on 24th Street

Now is our chance to improve 24th Street!
At community planning meetings in 2006-2007 residents called for more public space along 24th Street. In response to these community wishes, the Noe Valley Association (NVA) won a grant for more public space. Together with the City’s Pavement to Parks program, we now have the unique opportunity to have a community plaza on Noe Street at 24th on a trial basis.

A Trial Community Plaza to See What Works
The proposed temporary plaza would close about sixty feet of Noe St. just south of 24th St. for an attractive community space where kids can play, where neighbors can gather and socialize, and where the community can sit, drink, eat, socialize, and or rest while strolling and shopping in the area. By giving pedestrians a safe space on Noe St., the plaza will also improve traffic at the 4-way stop intersection, which is a frequent bottleneck. A similar plaza has improved public space, local business and pedestrian safety in the Castro. What is being proposed is a TRIAL run to see if the community supports a permanent plaza in this location.

Some opponents have organized to block this community space in Noe Valley. They have contacted Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who will decide whether the plaza trial will (1) go forward, (2) be replaced with an alternate proposal for sidewalk seating “parklets,” or (3) get shut down entirely. Opponents are trying to kill the plaza before even seeing what works for residents.

Let’s make Noe a great place to go TO, not drive THROUGH!
“Plazas for the People” is a group of neighbors that want to give the trial plaza a shot. We are not anti-car, nor are we adamant about a permanent plaza. However, we DO believe in testing out a possible vision for a neighborhood hub. If the majority of Noe Valley residents feel that the plaza isn’t working after the trial run, it goes back to the way it was. Let’s give it a shot and see what works.


Show your support for improving public space in Noe Valley:
Attend the community meeting on April 8, 6:30 pm - St. Philips Church
Diamond St. entrance between 24th & Elizabeth, in downstairs community room.

E-mail Supervisor Bevan Dufty at Bevan.Dufty@sfgov.org
(and copy Andres.Power@sfgov.org). Bevan needs to hear from you and see you at the meeting!

More info on Pavement to Parks projects here