EVPA Column: Improving the Neighborhood

By Scott Wiener

In November, I was honored to be elected president of the Eureka Valley Promotion Association (EVPA). Since 1881, EVPA has been the neighborhood association for Eureka Valley – i.e., what we now call the Castro, Duboce Triangle, Upper Market, and surrounding neighborhoods. EVPA has focused, and continues to focus, on improving the neighborhood in various ways, from ensuring sound planning and land use policies, to improving public spaces, to promoting neighborhood safety and increasing economic vitality. We work on these issues on our own and in collaboration with other neighborhood and merchant associations.

Central to EVPA’s mission is to engage our community’s stakeholders to help guide the development of our neighborhood. If we, as residents, abdicate this role by not being involved, decisions will be made without our input.

While there are many issues EVPA will be involved in, the following are key priorities for 2009:

• Focus on Public Spaces: The Castro and surrounding neighborhoods are densely populated with limited public space (Duboce Park and Dolores Park are wonderful but located on the periphery). Thus, we need to focus on maximizing and caring for the public spaces we have.

EVPA will work with the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District to push for implementation of the Streetscape Project, which will greatly improve the neighborhood’s sidewalks and other public spaces on and around our streets. We will work with other organizations on the proposed temporary closure to vehicular traffic of 17th Street between Castro and Hartford streets, which will create additional pedestrian open space.

We also plan on working towards the creation of a Farmer’s Market on Noe Street off of Market Street which would be a great addition to the neighborhood. We also hope that Harvey Milk Plaza will become a more usable public space, beyond serving as an entrance to Muni.

• Neighborhood Block Parties: The key to a healthy neighborhood is neighbors knowing neighbors. The more connected we are to one another, the healthier we are as individuals and the healthier and more vibrant the neighborhood is.

For many years, block parties have been a key way for neighbors to get to know each other and talk about issues in the neighborhood. EVPA is interested in encouraging neighbors to organize block parties. We will be exploring the possibility of putting together a “block party kit” explaining the steps to obtain a temporary street closure permit and to get the ball rolling on a great block party.

• More Communication: To engage the neighborhood, EVPA needs to communicate with them. We put out a newsletter every other month, and we will be working hard to distribute it widely so that people know what we’re doing and can participate.

• Continued Participation in the Planning Process: EVPA has always done a great job monitoring development in the neighborhood and working with property owners and developers to ensure that projects are appropriate for the neighborhood. Our planning committee will continue to do this important work.

• Increased Membership: EVPA currently has around 80 members. This is a good start, but we need to increase that number to increase neighborhood participation and strengthen the organization’s voice in advocating for the community. You can join EVPA by going to evpa.org. Dues are $20 for an individual, $30 for a household, and $40 for a business.

These are ambitious goals, but they are good ones. Please join us to help make them a reality. Our next meeting is Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Castro meeting room, 501 Castro Street, 2nd Floor. I hope to see you there!

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