Dear Haight Street Merchants & Residents:

After years of repeat construction along Haight Street (Upper and Lower) which has continually blocked traffic and harmed the health and well-being of our merchants and beloved neighborhood businesses, the San Francisco Department of Public Works (DPW) has again approved another large, disruptive construction project on Haight between Ashbury and Masonic, set to begin next week (March 13). This work is guaranteed to block and slow traffic, limit parking and negatively impact our vibrant Upper Haight merchant corridor.

DPW originally promised to halt *all* construction projects on Haight this year, in light of the 50th Summer of Love Anniversary events which are already planned and underway. They have repeatedly gone back on that promise and now intend to move forward with this project, centered in the heart of our community.

These coming months are absolutely vital to the survival of our Upper Haight storefronts. Spring and especially summer are historically our neighborhood’s busiest times, due both to better weather and increased tourism.

In addition, here is just a partial list of events we have planned and invested in for Summer of Love 2017 and which are centered directly around the proposed construction site:

March 24: Love Parade

March 28: European Media visit in conjunction with SF Travel

April 14: Hearts and Lights Festival

April 20: 4/20 Celebration in GG Park

May 3: Flowers in Your Hair Anniversary Block Party with SF Travel

THIS CONSTRUCTION MUST BE STOPPED and every single day counts, particularly after a slow, rainy start to 2017. ALL of our local merchants need to get involved and join together to save our businesses, our community, and our Summer of Love celebrations!

In addition, should DPW refuse to halt construction, we demand full reimbursement for lost revenue every day throughout the duration of their project.

The City is taking revenue out of our pockets with constant, unnecessary construction. As hardworking small business owners and valued contributors to our community, we deserve to be heard and insist on receiving adequate compensation for all lost revenue which will surely be the result of DPW's proposed plan.

If you agree, please sign this petition. Help us stop this negatively impactful construction which threatens to undermine all of our hard work and community efforts - indeed, our very livelihoods as local merchants. We are requesting an appeal process ASAP and this petition will be a crucial part of that.

WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU.

Thank you!