Back in our infancy, in March of 2012, we asked you what the neighborhood was missing. It was our biggest story yet, and lots of you weighed in.
Well, it's 2 years later. Let's see which of your wishes came true. Here were the most popular suggestions, plus where we stand on them now.
- By far the most popular suggestion: Chinese food. Sadly, this one's a NO.
- A close second was Japanese food. Also: NO.
- There was huge demand for "a semi-nice restaurant." Hear that, Sparrow Bar? We're calling this one a YES.
- A bakery. While we don't have an Arizmendi, the Haight Street Market has really expanded their selection. We're calling this a SORT-OF.
- More nightlife. Sadly, the nightlife options have remained much the same. We're calling this one a NO.
- There was a lot of discussion about sidewalk accessibility issues. We're gently reminding everyone about the Public Realm Plan meeting next week, and calling this a NOT YET.
- A few of you wanted to swap McDonald's for an In N Out Burger. NO.
- A few of you also wanted to close Whole Foods. NO.
- There was demand for a non-Wells Fargo bank. There is a Chase ATM on Cole now, so we're calling this a SORT OF.
- Walgreens. While the one on Stanyan isn't too far, Judge Hoodline is still calling this one for NO.
- The return of old, dirty, dive-bar Murios. Sadly, it's still New Murios. You can watch it in its glory here. This one's a NO.
- There were calls for a bowling alley. Nope. This one's a NO.
- Lots of you wanted better coffee. With how much time we spend at Stanza and Flywheel, we're calling this one a YES.
Okay, up next are the one-offs. Let's see which of these came to be.
- Korean food. Oh, man, we wish this was a yes, but sadly, it's a NO.
- One of you wanted a used bookstore. While Green Apple is opening a satellite store a little closer, we're still calling this a NO.
- Vietnamese food. NO.
- There was a comment to close the quick cash joint that used to be at Haight & Masonic. YES!
- One of you wanted a music venue. Since Second Act promises live music, we're calling this a SORT-OF.
- A laundromat. We're right there with you. Sadly, NO.
- Another beer bar, in addition to Magnolia. NO.
- A video store to return to the 'hood. NO.
- There was a call for better AT&T coverage. This one's tricky. More service has been added, but the jury's out on how much it actually helped. We're calling this one for SORT-OF.
- A bar with second floor seating for people watching. Hello again, Sparrow! YES.
- There was a call for an ethnic market. Sadly, NO.
- One of you wanted to close Tikka Masala. You got your wish twice. That's a YES.
- A community drop-in spot. Great idea. NO.
- Improve the bike light at Fell & Masonic. We're filing this under SORT-OF.
- More bike racks. There's a rack outside FTC now, and if you don't think that's enough, we direct you again to the Public Realm Plan meeting. Calling this a YES.
- Our final one-off was a call for People's Cafe to reopen, and we're happy to call this one a YES.
Are you happy with what's changed? How would you alter this list? Tell us in the comments.