The revised plans for the Whole Foods/apartment complex being built at Haight and Staynan are now completed and were presented to the Planning Commission, despite some vocal concerns from the neighborhood residents over parking and aesthetics .

The Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council, which has traditionally crusaded to preserve the feeling of the neighborhood and community along Haight Street, opposed the original plans, including the three-story underground parking structure.

HANC cited increased parking may escalate traffic congestion on Haight Street and deteriorate the LOS (Level of Service) available to public transportation, bicycle, and foot traffic in the area. HANC has also voiced concerns about the questionable business ethics of the Whole Foods Corporation, alluding to the company’s anti-union track record.

HANC’s opposition was overruled by the Board prior to this final presentation. However the Board did take HANC’s concerns into consideration and required subsequent design modifications to the complex’s original layout. The project’s newly revised plans include the implementation of a “No Parking” sign north of the imminent building, designated short term loading/unloading spaces along both Staynan and Haight street, and the installation of a flashing light and audible sign to indicate when vehicles are leaving the garage.

The redrawn report by the Whole Foods Corporation stated that these measures are intended “to reduce conflicts between vehicles exiting the garage and pedestrians.” There was an informational presentation divulging the redrawn plans on February 26th at 1:30 in the Planning Commission building. Members of the public were invited to attend this meeting for more information and for the opportunity to express their opinions.