Proposed plan aims to lure locals to Fisherman’s Wharf
By: Brent Begin
June 12, 2009
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| Crowded sidewalks: Widening the often overcrowded sidewalks at Fisherman’s Wharf is part of a plan to overhaul the area. (Cindy Chew/The Examiner) |
SAN FRANCISCO — The bustling sidewalks of Fisherman’s Wharf are typically packed with tourists, jostling down the street and peering into shops that sell T-shirts and cameras.
But a plan backed by area merchants and city officials would open more room on the sidewalks for pedestrians and outdoor dining at the restaurants — a move also meant to draw in more San Franciscans.
Along with the upgrades to the Wharf area, there would be fixes to Aquatic Park, a spot that draws crowds despite its current dilapidated state.
With the success of nearby Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, where a farmers market and popular restaurants draw tourists and locals alike, Fisherman’s Wharf merchants felt it was time for a makeover, according to Rodney Fong, president of the Wax Museum and head of the area community benefit district.
“We needed to make an improvement now to ensure that we remained the number one destination in San Francisco in the future,” Fong said.
The ongoing effort to transform Fisherman’s Wharf would eliminate street parking, but leave more room for motorists than a plan pitched earlier.
That proposal — to turn Jefferson Street into a single-lane roadway with dedicated lanes for bicycles — generated controversy among merchants who rely on auto traffic for their business. The plan, released in August, included two dedicated bike lanes and one lane for traffic.
The latest plan allows for two lanes of traffic that would be shared with bicyclists, and it maintains large walkways for pedestrians and open-air dining. Street parking would be eliminated in favor of a plan that will direct motorists to rarely full parking garages.
Sidewalks would still be widened, addressing the no. 1 concern of visitors to the area: overcrowded walkways.
Jefferson Street, which would be refurbished between Hyde and Powell streets, is only part of a plan to revitalize an entire swath of the waterfront, but the street continues to be the most high-profile element of the plan because of concerns from businesses, Planning Department project manager Neil Hrushowy said.
It also incorporates aquatic images into the roadway. Fish swim along the patterned pavement and anchors fill the street. The new look is meant to be more historic than kitschy.
“Nothing’s going to be glass and aluminum,” Fong said. “We’re trying to celebrate the rich history of fishermen, the crab industry and the restaurants along the Wharf.”
Board of Supervisors President David Chiu, whose district includes Fisherman’s Wharf, believes the “exciting vision” will become reality.
“It took a long time, but now we have a plan that is attractive to tourists and people in the surrounding neighborhood,” he said.
Funding for the plan remains the biggest obstacle for the future of Fisherman’s Wharf. The project is estimated at more than $10 million and will be paid for by a combination of taxpayer and private funding.
Sprucing up the Wharf
A revitalized Fisherman’s Wharf will include:
- Wide sidewalks, more than 25 feet wide
- Sidewalk dining
- Roadway to be shared with bicycles, wide enough for two cars
- Unique paving with nautical images
- Pedestrian street plaza near Aquatic Park
- No more street parking on Jefferson Street
- Electronic signs directing cars to parking garages
