In This Issue

Richardson Gateway Project

Parking Meters in Cow Hollow

Presidio Food Market

Richardson Gateway Project:

Seeking Donations

Strip of grass on the west side of Richardson, before Lyon Street.

The Richardson Gateway Project is transforming the key entrance and exit point for San Francisco at Richardson Street into a vibrant and welcoming space. Situated at the end of the Presidio Parkway, this gateway connects iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Presidio, and the Palace of Fine Arts—this area will be planted with drought-resistant native plants in the coming months.

Thanks to Supervisor Stefani's office that allocated $50,000 to the project, which the Department of Public Works (DPW) has fully utilized for landscaping architecture, clearing the grass, soil preparation, irrigation installation, and permitting management, in addition to funding some larger plants. The Presidio Trust has generously donated the bulk of the plants, contributed landscape architect expertise, and handled permitting with the City. They have also committed to supplying water to the area for several years as the plants establish themselves and to maintaining the site in the future.

How You Can Help

The Cow Hollow Association believes this project will benefit the entire community by enhancing the beauty and functionality of this vital San Francisco entrance. As a proud partner in the effort, we are committed to ensuring its success. We are currently seeking $3,100 in donations to install protective barriers that will shield the new native plants as they take root.

Donations through the Cow Hollow Association are tax-deductible, and every contribution counts. Thank you for supporting the enhancement of our community!

Parking Meters in Cow Hollow:

Attend SFMTA Town Hall 12/2 (not 12/5)

We wanted to make you aware of SFMTA’s plans to expand the Pay or Permit Parking program into the Marina and the Greater Union Street Corridor. This program is already being piloted in other parts of the city, and SFMTA is now considering expanding it to neighborhoods like ours, particularly areas near Union and Fillmore Streets. They have scheduled an Open House at Moscone Recreation Center to present the project. Please attend to get your questions answered and concerns heard.

SFMTA Open House

Monday, December 2, 2024

5 pm – 7 pm

George R. Moscone Rec Center - Community Room

1800 Chestnut Street, San Francisco

Above: Area planned for parking meter installations.

What is Pay or Permit Parking?

Pay or Permit Parking is a regulation created by SFMTA to address parking challenges in dense neighborhoods. It replaces the traditional two-hour visitor time limit on Residential Parking Permit (RPP) blocks with paid parking for visitors. Residents with RPP permits would continue to park for free, but visitors would be required to pay for parking, using small paystations or a mobile app. This approach was first rolled out in 2023 in Hayes Valley, and now they are aiming to expand it further, using a $1.5 million grant to install over 260 paystations citywide.

Concerns About the Program’s Impact

While SFMTA promotes the potential benefits—like increased parking availability, better enforcement, and revenue generation to support transit—the reality of introducing Pay or Permit Parking in our neighborhood raises several concerns:

1. Visitor Parking Impact: By converting RPP time-limited spaces into paid parking, we worry that this could make it more challenging for visitors, service providers, and guests to access our neighborhood. A paid system may deter longer visits, affecting the flow of people in our community.
2. Neighborhood Character: Adding paystations on residential blocks may change the neighborhood's aesthetic and feel, giving it a more commercialized appearance rather than a residential one. We’re concerned about the visual impact and how this shift aligns with our community values.
3. Financial Burden: This program places additional financial pressure on visitors, who may already face challenges finding parking in our busy neighborhood. It’s essential to ask whether the benefits SFMTA promotes justify the costs and inconvenience to those who visit our homes and local businesses.
4. Limited Evaluation: Although SFMTA highlights successes in Hayes Valley, the evaluation data is still limited. It remains unclear if similar results can be expected in our unique neighborhood, given the differences in residential density and business activity.

Presidio Food Market:

Meet the New Owner

Located on the NW corner of Greenwich and Baker.

The Cow Hollow Association recently welcomed a new board member who is no stranger to the neighborhood. As the founder of Infinite Martial Arts, he both lives and works in Cow Hollow, a decision that came about almost by chance.

One day, he spotted a vacant space at the corner of Baker and Miley that immediately caught his eye. Although the landlord initially refused to lease it to him, he was persistent. For three months, he called every Wednesday until the landlord finally agreed. He had a strong sense that Cow Hollow was the ideal spot for his martial arts studio and was committed to becoming part of the community. As the business thrived, he eventually relocated across the street to its current location at the corner of Greenwich and Baker.

This sense of belonging has only grown over time. He feels deeply connected to the neighborhood, valuing the mutual support that defines the area. The neighbors have embraced him, and he is happy to look out for them just as they look out for him, creating a strong bond that goes beyond business.

That connection to Cow Hollow became even more meaningful when he took over the Presidio Food Market at the NW corner of Greenwich and Baker from longtime owners George and Isabelle Stephan. The couple had run the market for 46 years and played an active role in the community, even helping to get the Cow Hollow Playground installed. Inspired by their dedication, he saw an opportunity to continue their legacy when they decided to retire. The purchase was a way for him to contribute more fully to the neighborhood, and it has been a rewarding transition for everyone involved. George still visits regularly, offering guidance and maintaining a cherished connection to a business that remains a beloved part of Cow Hollow.

If you have suggestions for James as he refines his offerings at the market, please share your ideas by email, and we will pass it along to him.