Newsom Celebrates Healthy Saturdays Veto with Park Closure Opponents
Someone please explain why Gavin's veto is good for the neighborhood.
"On Wednesday evening, opponents of car-free access in Golden Gate Park threw a ritzy private shindig for the Mayor at the Conservatory of Flowers. The group, ironically called ‘Coalition for Park Access,’ threw the reception to celebrate the two month anniversary of the Mayor’s veto of Healthy Saturdays, legislation which would have created a six month trial of car-free space in Golden Gate Park. The legislation passed the Board of Supervisors in May with a majority of votes, but without a veto-proof margin, and Newsom vetoed it. This Saturday, supporters of Healthy Saturdays are also expected to commemorate the two-month anniversary of Mayor Newsom's veto with an event in the park. However, there won’t be awards or massive amounts of re-election money waiting for him, so the Mayor may be less likely to show. " [Beyondchron.come
posted by Todd @ 5:06 PM
9 Comments:
I personally see it as neither good nor bad for our neighborhood.
I will say, however, that I can see how allowing car access to the roads on one of the two weekend days allows for broader use of the park for those NOT living within walking distance, or those who want to use the park where the park is not there ultimate destination, e.g. taking wedding photos.
I used to live in the inner sunset for about 1-1/2 years before moving back to NoPA, and I must say, that parking in th inner sunset on Sundays absolutely sucked, especially on days when special events closed traffic on MLK on that side of the park.
Since I have no need to drive to the park, I do not have any idea or opinion on how the new garage under the concourse is working out to ease traffic.
I live in NOPA and love to walk to GG Park (2-4 times a week) as well as bike there on Sundays. However it is nice on Saturdays to drive in and bring blankets, chairs, picnic stuff, and friends and family. Car access on one weekend day is fair for those near and far (it is a big park!) - AND it is still nice on Sundays to walk or bike through unimpeded. I think the way it is, is perfect.
That's a good point abou the parking. I hadn't thought of that. I wish our public transit was better.
The reason the veto was good for the neighborhood is that it mantained the current compromise so that ALL NEIGHBORS can enjoy the park on the weekend. To close the park to those who need to access it by car on BOTH weekend days would be selfish for those of us who are lucky enough to be able to walk there.
BTW, i'm a Muni-riding, park-jogging, uber-liberal. I often don't agree with Gavin, but I think he did the right thing here. I'm willing to share the park with cars on ONE day a weekend so that families with young kids or elderly people can drive there from Bernal Heights. Maybe if MUNI were a well-oiled machine, i'd feel differently.
Another compromise i would support is closing off a *different* park or section of GGPark (the west half?) rather than closing off the popular eastern 1/2 on both Sat. and Sun.
BTW..
Regarding the NOPNA meeting agenda.... does anyone know what the topic
"The Arendt House property at 850 Broderick Street" refers to?
I hope i can make it Th.
From San Francisco Human Services Commission Minutes (http://www.sfdaas.org/files/Human_Services_Commission/51106SpecMtgMinutes.doc)
"Daryl Higashi, Supportive Housing Finance Director, presented the request to approve demolition of 850 Broderick Street.
On motion by Commissioner Martinez, seconded and carried, the Commission authorized the demolition of the existing structure at 850 Broderick Street and the construction of a new facility consistent with the Will of Zygmund Arendt for the purpose of providing affordable housing for poor and needy homeless seniors. Demolition of the existing structure and construction of the new facility shall require review and approval of the final project feasibility submitted by Community Housing Partnership to the Executive Director of the Department of Human Services."
Sorry, off-topic: I posted this once, but got no response from NOPNA. I'll keep retrying.
To the NOPNA board: it would be very nice if you create a discussion board where NOPA residents could post questions, news, opinions, etc. This blog is great, but we are limited to the topics created by a select 5 contributors. As you can tell from the frequent comments by other residents, there is a lot of interest and demand in having an open forum. I suggest installing a discussion script on nopna.org such as the freely available one at yabbforum.com.
-Dan
I strongly second Dan's suggestion... let's hear from everyone!!!
Got your suggestion - we'll work on it! Good to hear folks are interested.
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