After last month's fatal crash that killed four members of a family at a bus stop in San Francisco's West Portal neighborhood, city officials quickly launched a plan to make intersections safer.
The entire family – Diego Cardoso de Oliveira and Matilde Ramos Pinto, their 2-year-old son Joaquín and toddler Caue Ramos Pinto de Oliveira – all suffered serious injuries and died. On March 16, he was hit by an SUV while waiting at a bus stop at Ulloa Street and Lenox Way.
Last week, San Francisco Department of Transportation Director Jeffrey Tumlin, San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar, and Project Supervisor Liz Brisson took to the stage. announced an improvement plan for the area.
But the redesign is now facing pushback from local business owners who fear it will hurt profits.
“I grew up in West Portal, and my home is still in West Portal,” Mario Mogannam said. “Past President of the West Portal Merchants Association.”
Mogannum's Postal Chase is located in the heart of the Western Portal. And while reeling from the tragedy that happened just around the corner, his business is among those calling for a moratorium on the proposed changes to the intersection.
“I'm telling everyone to take a step back,” Moganan explained. “Take a deep breath. Let's talk. These things we're doing for our community are going to last a long time.”
“There are three problems here,” said Lisa Moore, owner of nearby Siren Boutique. “It's a public safety issue. Then there's the issue of beautifying the area and making it more welcoming. And then there's the issue of impact on small businesses.”
Moore isn't convinced the plan will necessarily improve safety. Then there's the timetable.
“We care very much about public safety, and of course, our employees, our customers, and my children who live and work in this area,” Moore said. “We feel that this proposal was basically put forward after it had already been decided that it would come true, and now we hear that we have been given 10 days to discuss it. .”
“We take the needs of our merchants very seriously,” Tumlin said at a meeting to discuss the changes. “That's one of the reasons why we tried to limit motorists who simply detour through the commercial district to reduce collisions at the Ulloa and West Portal intersection. Cut through the commercial district.”
SFMTA We published the redesign last week., based on years of research here. We are currently seeking feedback. Opponents have launched their own feedback campaign, asking neighbors to voice their concerns. Signs are already posted in the windows of businesses up and down the street.
“Everyone should be prepared to ask real questions,” Mogannam said of the changes. “And the city needs to find a workable answer.”
District Supervisor Melgar has already spoken out in support of the change, as have bicycle and pedestrian advocates. SFMTA continues to seek input. They plan to hold another voting session in the area during Wednesday night's commute.
