September 20, 2023 Community Meeting Summary
Treasurer: UNN previously ran on about $2k a year. Now that we are a 501c3 and becoming more active, expenses are increasing and our balance is down. Annual dues may be paid online at https://uppernoeneighbors.com/membership/
Transportation:
Next Generation Slow Sanchez –
SFMTA is seeking community input on how to spend approximately $290,000 on some or all of these features: Painted Safety and Community Zones, Landscaped Islands, Wayfinding Signs, Landscaped Traffic Circles, Roadway Narrowing, On Street Bike Parking.
On September 14, SFMTA Slow Street Project managers Alejo Alvarado and Mark Dreger led a Slow Sanchez Walk-Through to solicit feedback about the street and the proposed design features. They attended our meeting to continue the outreach (only five of our attendees had been able to participate on Sept 14).The managers provided handouts of the Design Toolkit and asked, “How do we take a very successful Slow Street and take it up a notch? How does Next Gen support community?” The Sept 14 walk-through and project details are chronicled in the October Noe Valley Voice. The article was truncated in print but you can read the full story here
28th and Church Stop Sign –
Our petition drive led by Chuck and other merchants at 28th St collected almost 400 signatures and prompted over 120 complaints to 311. UNN sent them to Sup. Mandelman and SFMTA. We have confirmation that SFMTA is considering a sign but, as of yet, we have no commitment.
Land Use / Upper NoeMerchants:
Church Street Branding Project –
The goal is to generate pride for existing residents and welcome new visitors. The project is moving forward with lighting and banner designs. We are seeking member input and working with local artists. String lighting on the façade of each business is now proposed rather than trying to light the street as a whole. This should provide better lighting on the sidewalk and greater street safety.
Building Connections-
Director of the Office of Small Business Katy Tang and her associates toured Church Street on Sept 14 to learn about our neighborhood and to find ways to assist businesses and our commercial corridor.
Safety –
On August 31, Lt. Knoble (as acting captain) and District 8 Public Safety Liaison Dave Burke toured Church Street businesses in Upper Noe in response to vandalism, break-ins and burglaries. They listened to owners and staff about their concerns and offered security advice. ATMs and cash registers are the biggest targets. To deter break-ins, turn cash registers toward the front windows/door and leave open and visibly empty. Do not store cash on site.
Upper Noe Rec Center:
The Acoustic Upgrade Project to install sound absorbing panels to reduce noise is moving ahead. $14,000 in add back funds were located, our design has been approved, and purchase is in process. The improved listening experience may will be music to our ears.
Supervisor Mandelman was not on the agenda but dropped by to chat and offer some info:
* Approved a city budget nearing $15B in July. Economicconditions mean less money coming in. We are in for some severebelt-tightening.
* No district-level addbacks this year, and small cuts.
* Need to reform business taxes. Working on this.
* Chair of County Transportation Authority, working to get rail into Transbay Terminal
* Continuing to work hard on mental health issues in the city
* Police staffing/recruitment issues are continuing to affect SFPD’s ability.
* Traffic enforcement has severely decreased in recent years. This is being addressed.
Our next meeting is November 15 at 7 pm at Upper Noe Rec Center.