Heather Mac Donald defends a contentious law, spurred by frustration over migratory youths in Haight-Ashbury, that would ban sitting or lying on city sidewalks between 7 AM and 11 PM.
According to Mac Donald, the proposed Civil Sidewalks law is a means to control the city's rampant 'gutter punks,' who she says engage in hostile occupation of public space, terrorizing residents and merchants alike. Current laws only allow police to take action against those blocking sidewalks if a civilian complaint is lodged.
Opponents argue that the new sit-lie law does little to address the root problems of homelessness, such as the city's shortage of affordable housing, but Mac Donald argues more comprehensive government programs would be futile, as the youths in question see their condition as a lifestyle choice.
Other west coast cities like Seattle, Portland, and San Diego have already adopted similar legislation. The proposal is supported by Mayor Gavin Newsom and the city's new police chief and will come to a public referendum in November.
Mac Donald writes:
'That vote will reveal whether San Francisco is ready to join the many other cities that view civilized public space as essential to urban life.'
FULL STORY: The Sidewalks of San Francisco
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
San Francisco Announces Plan to Overhaul Homelessness Strategy
Mayor Lurie’s three-phase plan promises 1,500 new shelter beds and a restructuring of outreach teams and supportive service programs.
San Francisco Could Redefine RVs to Restrict Living in Vehicles
The SFMTA is considering expanding the definition of RVs to include mobile homes, box trucks, and other campers.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Cuomo Is the Candidate of Both NIMBYs and Developers. What Gives?
In the New York City mayoral race, odd bedfellows align to preserve the housing status quo.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont