While Bartlett would remain open to vehicular traffic, the work on the proposed Mercado Plaza will require the removal of around 40 metered parking spaces, and (shockingly) some neighbors aren't happy about it. Arguing over the removal of parking is nothing new in San Francisco, and the complaints are the same here – lack of parking will hurt businesses, residents already have to compete for parking spots as is, etc. Ironically the complaints were sent to and posted by car lover Rob Anderson, who waxes poetic himself about the elimination of street parking. The neighbors also aren't thrilled about the market stalls being permanent, calling them "graffiti magnets," and think the city is bowing to private interests. Interestingly enough, the project is sponsored by the New Mission Theater developers as an in-kind agreement for their project that backs up to Bartlett. The Planning Department, DPW, and SFMTA held a meeting last night on the proposed - readers, did any of you attend?· Eliminating more parking in the Mission [District 5 Diary] · Citizens Advisory Committee of the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan [SF Planning] · Mercado Plaza [Mission Community Market] · city has already dedicated $1.6MBartlett Mercado Plaza Community Meeting [SF Streetsblog]
Why would anyone cite Rob Anderson? You'll erode your legitimacy. His whim-driven pronouncements have nothing to do with facts or reality. He's best left to the compost bin of history.
Build it, but it could do without the patronizing ethnic design theme. It's not a substitute for plain old good design.
Conceptual rendering (click to enlarge) [Mission Community Market]
Build it, but it could do without the patronizing ethnic design theme. It's not a substitute for plain old good design.