On Thursday night, a community meeting will be held to discuss ways of revitalizing the intersection of Haight and Fillmore. Because frankly, the crossroads is at a crossroads.
There's the southeast corner, where Walgreens, Three Twins, Estela's, and Fecal Face are all closed for the foreseeable future as repairs on the fire-damaged building progress. Meanwhile, across the intersection, Clay Oven sits perpetually empty, with patrons being directed to sister restaurant Indian Oven just down Fillmore. We've heard (anecdotally) that a complicated lease is forcing the owners to keep both restaurants in effective operation, but we've been unable to get further information on the unusual arrangement. Fortunately, Lo-Cost Meats and Haight Fillmore Whole Foods are still holding it down at their respective corners, but several local merchants have told us that Walgreens's departure in particular is having negative ripple effects on surrounding businesses. Almost a year ago, well before the fire, efforts were already underway to explore ways to improve and beautify the intersection. Now, those discussions resume with an added sense of urgency. The Lower Haight Merchants and Neighbors Association will host a community meeting this Thursday night, from 7pm to 9pm at the Peacock Lounge, to brainstorm ideas for the intersection. The discussion will be led by urban planner Liz Westbrook. Topics on the agenda include: "unique crosswalks, greening the corners, pop up stores, murals, bike racks, timelines, oral histories, exorcism, wayfinder signs, lights, and much much more." So, if you're interested in helping to develop a vision for this intersection, be sure to swing by the Peacock Lounge, 552 Haight Street, on Thursday.
There's the southeast corner, where Walgreens, Three Twins, Estela's, and Fecal Face are all closed for the foreseeable future as repairs on the fire-damaged building progress. Meanwhile, across the intersection, Clay Oven sits perpetually empty, with patrons being directed to sister restaurant Indian Oven just down Fillmore. We've heard (anecdotally) that a complicated lease is forcing the owners to keep both restaurants in effective operation, but we've been unable to get further information on the unusual arrangement. Fortunately, Lo-Cost Meats and Haight Fillmore Whole Foods are still holding it down at their respective corners, but several local merchants have told us that Walgreens's departure in particular is having negative ripple effects on surrounding businesses. Almost a year ago, well before the fire, efforts were already underway to explore ways to improve and beautify the intersection. Now, those discussions resume with an added sense of urgency. The Lower Haight Merchants and Neighbors Association will host a community meeting this Thursday night, from 7pm to 9pm at the Peacock Lounge, to brainstorm ideas for the intersection. The discussion will be led by urban planner Liz Westbrook. Topics on the agenda include: "unique crosswalks, greening the corners, pop up stores, murals, bike racks, timelines, oral histories, exorcism, wayfinder signs, lights, and much much more." So, if you're interested in helping to develop a vision for this intersection, be sure to swing by the Peacock Lounge, 552 Haight Street, on Thursday.
