By Karen Mauney-Brodek
Over the next year, our neighborhood will continue to see proposals for new development. We will see pop-up retail and temporary uses of land and buildings that otherwise would stand empty. We will also see some long-term projects. Over the past few months we have welcomed new businesses in the neighborhood, as well as housing and community partners. We in Hayes Valley have experienced much in the last ten years: from a freeway removed, to a boulevard built; new parks, a temporary farm and community gardens, new business, new traffic patterns and new neighbors. We must work vigilantly to ensure that support for our neighborhood’s new and existing residents is there. This includes supporting and improving our public transit, John Muir Elementary School, community services and our parks.
The Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association (HVNA) has distinguished itself as a passionate and active group of citizens. We have a proven track record for working with organizations, developers and city agencies to meet shared goals and improve projects along the way. Last year we reviewed and improved the final proposals for 555 Fulton, which will bring a new grocery store and housing in a new attractive building; the future Whole Foods at Market Street and Dolores; the new SFJAZZ Center; and numerous other projects. Recently, HVNA and other non-profits worked together to ensure that the new clubhouse building at Hayes Valley Playground will open with the services of a local non-profit, Opportunity Impact, in place.
As 2011 opens and the new HVNA board gets to work, creative partnerships and models for community services will be developed to meet the needs of our neighborhood. HVNA will continue to set the bar for participation and collaboration.
Join in the dialogue – come to our next General Membership meeting on February 24th at 7pm at 745 Buchanan St. We will elect our new board, get an update on Living Linden Alley and hear a presentation by Recology. I look forward to seeing you!