New sidewalk planters in San Francisco are sparking controversy.
About 50 people living in the Mission District raised about $25,000 to install them, hoping to beautify their community. But some believe it’s a way to deter the homeless from camping out again in the area.
Several large metal planters can be seen between 18th and 20th Streets.
Locals told the San Francisco Chronicle that Harrison Street had been “taken over” by encampments for the past three years and was in “terrible shape.” Neighbors described being threatened with violence as they passed by encampments. They revealed they were forced to take action because they didn’t have help from the city.
The Chronicle also reported that San Francisco has “More than 7,754 homeless people, with nearly 4,400 sleeping on the streets, in a tent or in a vehicle” in 2022.
In a statement, Public Works officials said, “Public Works supports neighbors’ efforts to green and beautify their communities. Our main concern is to ensure that an accessible path of travel is maintained and that the planters are well maintained. The planters on Harrison appear to meet the standards.”