Polk Corridors Business Association Meeeting March 13, 2007 @ Space Gallery

My name is Aaron. I work/live on the 1500 block of Polk Street/1400 block of Larkin.

I attended the Polk Corridor Business Association's meeting at Space Gallery on March 13, 2007. I attended this meeting because it didn't include "residents" (see flier in attached file), and I was curious as to why. This is an overall account of what I witnessed.

On entering the door I was asked to sign in. They then informed me that "Mayor Peskin" would be speaking, I asked "Mayor?" they repeated "Mayor Peskin" saying that though he was not yet mayor but they liked to refer to him as such.

I proceeded up the stairs found a seat amongst 20+ people. A man whom I believe is named "John Malloy", oversaw the meeting.

Topics covered ranged from the fear of the homeless, drugs, prostitution, minimum wage, the displacement of "john Barleycorn", lighting the sidewalks, "security cameras", amount of police officers, and car break-ins.

On the homeless Peskin spoke of Homeward Bound, and how he thinks it has worked. Another man was concerned about the legality of the "Street Sheet" vendors, and there was general concern about 'panhandling'. There was laughter at the mention of people with drug habits, and sited Medical Marijuana as contributing to the crime problem. Capt. Dillon sited a few examples of crime, none occurring in the area being addressed.

On the subject of prostitution Captain Dillon said he would like to "lock them all up", he seemed very convinced that 'locking up' people was the solution, he added the "liberal judges" are preventing this. A man who represented O'Reilly's Holy Grail/Mayes Oyster House was concerned about his ability to do business in a town where he has to pay out minimum wage to his workers.

A man representing John Barleycorn was concerned about his business being moved due to inabilty to renew lease, Supervisor Peskin said he would work on this.

Supervisor Peskin talked about potentially lighting the sidewalks at
night, and that he voted for security cameras.

Captain Dillon commented on the suggestion for more officers by basically saying no amount of police can prevent crime, he also added that the SFPD was hiring.

Those in attendance were concerned about the amount of car break-ins. Captain Dillon addressed this by saying that the break-ins were due to people leaving valuables in plain sight, adding that a fellow law man left his lap top computer on the front seat of his car.

I would like to add that this group is funded by the government and has recently obtained non-profit status (501 c 3), the city is focusing clean-up crews in this area to attract customers to these businesses how can this be. You the resident taxpayers are paying for this.

I am under the impression that this group is interested in shaping this area in their ignorant/fearful/greedy vision using money and politics, and with disregard for the residents. I for one would like to see the people of this neighborhood be allowed to take part in their community without exclusion. I welcome any comments, corrections, additions, etc.