SAN FRANCISCO The Marina and Cow Hollow districts will no longer have free, time-limited parking, according to a recent SFMTA plan.
Michele Grasso-Dennis finds it challenging to get parking in Cow Hollow and the Marina neighborhood. Finding a seat can occasionally take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, she said.
“I wanted to go to my favorite Mexican restaurant on Fillmore, and it took me 20 minutes to find a free spark parking spot,” said Grasso-Dennis.
Although her daughter lives nearby, there isn’t much extra parking available for visitors. As a result, when Grasso-Dennis visits both neighborhoods, she mostly depends on the free parking places that are available for two hours.
However, a new plan to remove such areas has been proposed.
“I believe it’s absurd. According to Grasso-Dennis, “I believe that the public taxpayers or visitors like myself should have the option to park in the city for free, or at least have the option.”
262 two-hour free parking spaces between Cow Hollow and the Marina are to be removed, under the SFMTA’s proposal. These spots would be swapped out for pay or permit parking, which would impose an hourly price on anyone without a local parking permit. Kash, who plans to open a restaurant nearby, is concerned that the fees would discourage people from coming.
“They might go far away, and they might be put off by the neighborhood,” added Kash.
According to an SFMTA representative, the project’s objective is to increase the number of spaces available to people who must compete for spots even with permits. In Hayes Valley, another variation of this strategy is already in place; according to the agency, the project opened at least one spot per block on average.
The regulation is expected to generate $6 million in income from Cow Hollow and the Marina.
It may be a headache to get to adjacent businesses or restaurants, according to Rosemary Jebari, who lives and parks in the area. She believes the plan could cut down on how long it takes her to park close by.
“I don’t think it’s going to cause fewer people to come into the neighborhood, and I think people will leave more promptly, because those meters signal you when your times run out,” Jebari stated.
SFMTA is currently conducting an outreach campaign to find out what local residents think of the idea. Meters could be installed in the community as early as the summer of 2025 if it is implemented.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.