Prop D and the Future of Mid-Market StreetRandy Shawbyline‚ Oct. 19‚ 2009Through the late 1950’s, San Francisco’s Market Street was the city’s “Great White Way,” and the Bay Area’s entertainment hub. But the rise of television, increased suburbanization, and ill-conceived “beautification” schemes by urban planners ended Mid Market’s historically successful use. It has not revived over the past forty years, which makes Prop D on San Francisco’s November ballot so intriguing. Prop D seeks to bring back the bright lights to Mid-Market by allowing the installation of boldly lit advertising signs, and would boost arts in the area by allocating 40% of ad proceeds to nonprofit arts groups. Critics of the measure question the process for allocating funds, the value of illuminated signs, and the motives of its backers. But opponents have not offered a competing, real-world alternative vision for Mid-Market, or their own plan for art funding arts in the area. That’s why the concept of Prop D deserves further discussion even if the measure loses at the polls, and why the Supervisors should begin fashioning a similar but more publically acceptable strategy for Mid-Market after the election. |