The city of San Francisco has big plans for Folsom Street, and the LEATHER & LGBTQ Cultural District is working to make sure that these changes genuinely benefit the folks who live and work and play in the area, and recognize the role of the Leather and Queer community in shaping this neighborhood.
Advocating for recognition and inclusion is a long and painstaking process, and our Board President, Bob Goldfarb, has been working with multiple agencies, departments, and individuals. At this time we anticipate that the future Folsom Street will include:
The city’s plan for upgrading Folsom Street (and later Howard Street), is extensive and dramatic. According to the SFMTA Web Site, the Folsom Streetscape Project will include: “the removal of one to two eastbound travel lanes and the addition of traffic and bike signals, protected corners at intersections, corner bulb-outs, raised crosswalks, mid-block crosswalks and crosswalks at alleyways and minor streets, a two-way separated bikeway, a transit-only lane, transit boarding islands, and improved curb management.” These changes are intended to make biking and walking in SoMa more comfortable and enjoyable, improve transit services, and improve safety for all.
Also in the works: “tree-lined medians and Civic Amenity Zones”, better lighting on the sidewalks, bike racks and street furniture, and perhaps even a “Gateway” element to welcome folks to our naughty little neighborhood.
Construction might not start until 2022, but we will continue working to make sure our history and culture is respected and reflected.