Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
mattsmith.JPG

 

Taking a graphic, novel approach, SF Weekly reports on a ballot initiative that it says would reverse San Francisco's progress in prioritizing people over parking.

"Aparkalypse Now" says the initiative, backed by Gap clothing store founder Don Fisher and condo developer Webcor, is being promoted as a way to save downtown San Francisco from gridlock by raising the number of parking spaces allowed for residential development. Without the additional parking spaces, supporters claim, industry will eventually flee for more car-friendly locales, leaving San Francisco a "no parking ghost town."

However, says the Weekly's Matt Smith:

Fisher's so-called "Parking for Neighborhoods Initiative" wouldn't dovery much to make it easier to park in the city. But if successful, itwould go a long way toward making it harder to get around by car, bus,on foot, or by bike. It would eliminate new affordable housing all overthe city. And it would contribute significantly to congestion, to urbanugliness, and to smog.

Here's more from the Bay-Guardian:

Under the proposal, new housing projects throughout the city would berequired to provide a minimum number of parking spaces per unit,whereas the 2005 law turned parking minimums into maximums. Studieshave shown that the city's existing policies will lower housing costsand encourage transit use, but developers oppose the law because theysay homes with parking spots are what buyers want and are willing topay extra for.

Image: Matt Smith/SF Weekly 

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Why Did Secretary Duffy Decimate University Transportation Centers?

University Transportation Centers are "where innovation happens." Earlier this month, though, the Trump administration took a sledgehammer to their budgets.

May 20, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Share the Love Edition

Citi Bike's workers are backing Brad Lander for mayor while their bosses at Lyft chip in on Andrew Cuomo's PAC. Plus more news.

May 20, 2025

Day 1: Criminal Court Judge Issues Safety Lectures to Cyclists, Including Citi Bike Celeb

A Manhattan Judge used the bench to give "a talking to" to suspected cyclists — including one of the Citibikeboys!

DOT Proposing A 14th Street-Style Busway For 34th Street

It's the sequel you've been waiting for. Here's hoping Mayor Adams delivers, said one activist.

May 19, 2025

Sohn in Albany: State Bill to Force Drivers to Pass Safely Stalls

Apparently, New York City is just too unsafe for legislation forbidding drivers to pass cyclists too closely.

May 19, 2025
See all posts