Support Proposition D in San Francisco for November 3rd ballot! (London: sale, neighborhood)

[destroycreate]

The area of mid-market is quite drab, full of scuzzy run-down buildings and suspicious characters. But what about the area become a new entertainement area like Piccadilly Circus in London or Times Square in NYC? I know many people might dislike the idea of flashy billboards in SF, but isn't that better than the status quo? It will help revive this area and bring revenue - free of tax dollars - to the area, supporting arts programs for children, etc. Here's the info:

http://www.midmarketarts.com/images/midmarket-map.jpg (broken link)


Vote YES on Proposition D!
Support the arts and revitalize the Mid-Market neighborhood

Proposition D is a community-based initiative that creates a special sign district on Market Street between 5th and 7th Streets (not the entire street people, don't worry, SF, will remain quaint and beautiful), generating revenue that will help restore San Francisco's historic theater district, revitalize the mid-Market neighborhood, and provide funding for community benefits including arts and cultural education for youth.

A community-based initiative

Proposition D is strongly supported by the mid-Market community, including local business owners, residents, artists, the Market Street Association and the Central Market Community Benefit District.

Ensures neighborhood control

Proposition D puts control over the placement of signs in the hands of the independent Central Market Community Benefit District. The community, not the sign companies or property owners, will make sure the district works for the community.

Restores historic theater district

Proposition D generates revenue to refurbish and maintain historic buildings and marquees as well as keep the neighborhood clean and safe, thereby drawing tenants back into the theaters, galleries, stores and restaurants.

Creates funding for arts programs

Proposition D devotes a significant portion of revenue from the sale of advertising space to the artistic and cultural education of youth in the Tenderloin and South of Market, preserving programs that may otherwise be terminated due to state and local budget cuts.

Brings revenue without raising taxes

During these tough economic and budget times, Proposition D revitalizes a long neglected commercial corridor without spending any tax-payer money. Instead, the ordinance provides a way to rejuvenate an underserved neighborhood at no cost to the city.
Proposition D is strongly supported by a diverse group of San Francisco leaders including Board President David Chiu and Supervisors Campos, Dufty, Maxwell, Elsbernd and Alioto-Pier.

For more information or to become a supporter, please contact Daniel Palay at (415) 643 8507.

Mid-Market Arts (http://www.midmarketarts.com/thanks.html - broken link)

Mid-Market at present:



But could be more like this...

[BayAreaHillbilly]

FYI, in the aerial view, North is down and slightly to the left, not up.

[Jonotastic]

You haven't explained what proposition D is all about? What will it do? Does it only allow the use of signs?

[clongirl]

Odd...This info bought to you from a guy that doesn't live here (nor from here) and thinks that Golden Gate Park is a waste of space? I'm curious what the motivation is.

[ImRandy]

So... this is a power grab essentially? Takes property rights away from the property owners and allows some third party to put billboards up on other's buildings and we're supposed to be OK with this because they toss a few bucks at some youth programs? Correct me if I'm wrong but that's what it seems like you wrote.

[nametagg]

Originally Posted by ImRandy

So... this is a power grab essentially? Takes property rights away from the property owners and allows some third party to put billboards up on other's buildings and we're supposed to be OK with this because they toss a few bucks at some youth programs? Correct me if I'm wrong but that's what it seems like you wrote.

That's pretty much all wrong. Prop. D essentially reverses the existing ban on general advertising on Market, but only for two blocks. Property owners would negotiate their own contracts with sign companies, subject to approval from the CBD. Property owners would keep most of the revenue, but a large percentage would go to the CBD for the projects above. The proposition names budget priorities, but leaves a lot of discretion to the CBD (the Central Market Community Benefit District is a special assessment district tasked with revitalizing the area; the board of directors has 10 seats, 5 of which are reserved for property owners, 2 for merchants, and 3 for community representatives). The official ballot summary, arguments, and legal text can be found at Proposition D - Digest - November 3, 2009 (http://sfelections.org/vip/props/prop-d-digest.html - broken link)

[BayAreaHillbilly]

In thinking about this, I think mimicking Time Square would not work for that hood. For many reasons - most importantly, the particulars of transpo infrastructure (or lack thereof, compared with Times Square).

A better NYC element to mimic, IMO, would be Hell's Kitchen or the Meatpacking District. Those turned out very well.

[StopGreed09]

I erge people to VOTE NO on PROP D for the November 3rd election in SF my reason is simple it seems to me that this ballot measure is about GREED more then it is about helping the community.. a private company wants to put UP MORE unnecessary advertising and is trying to sell it like it is going to help the community - If this measure was 50-50 I might have a little sympathy and might be willing to vote yes but with a 60-40 - 60 going into the hand of private industry and 40% going to the community.. It simply sounds like GREED GREED GREED TO ME!

[Jonotastic]

Vote yes !!!

[Dave Coe]

its to bad prop D did not past. Hopefully there will be similar plans in the future.