Hemlock and Polk

Dear Supervisor Sauter, I am writing to you regarding the critical safety concerns at the intersection of Hemlock and Polk in District 3. City data show 50 injury collisions within 150 meters of this intersection in the last five years. This figure covers a 150-meter radius, while the Danger Index grade is computed over a tighter 80-meter core, so the two figures are measured over different areas and a reader should not expect them to reconcile. This intersection shows more reported harm than 99 percent of San Francisco intersections, earning a grade F on the Danger Index. No exposure normalization: the index ranks reported harm, not risk per crossing. The location has generated 334 street-condition 311 reports in the last three years, covering street defects, sidewalks, curbs, signs, streetlights, and blocked sidewalks. An automated visual audit flagged a vehicle turning conflict zone in a Street View photograph. City records corroborate this, documenting 4 pedestrian crossing collisions in 5 years. Records also show 19 street-condition 311 reports in 12 months and 4 pedestrian crossing collisions in 5 years related to faded or sub-standard crosswalk markings, though the visual audit did not find this in the photograph. Furthermore, city records document 3 street-condition 311 reports in 12 months concerning poor curb or sidewalk condition, which the visual audit did not observe. I urge you to support funding for Continental crosswalks, corner daylighting, and a leading pedestrian interval at this intersection. An estimated $250,000 to $350,000 could be secured through the Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) to implement these vital improvements. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. Sincerely, A resident of District 3