Land Use Committee backs renaming of Shannon Alley to 'Veterans Alley' after mural project
February 05, 2024 | San Francisco County, California
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The Land Use and Transportation Committee on Feb. 5 recommended that the Board of Supervisors adopt a resolution to add the commemorative name Veterans Alley to the 0 block of Shannon Street in recognition of the San Francisco Veterans Mural Project.
Vice Chair Preston, the resolution’s sponsor, told the committee the mural project was founded in October 2011 by Amos Gregory and Gilbert Lovato to engage unhoused veterans and transform a troubled alley into a community space. “For many San Francisco veterans, this was the first time they’ve been able to share their stories and process their military experience in a productive, positive way,” Preston said.
Amos Gregory, the project cofounder, described the group’s history and activities, including internships, block parties and a community center. “We started off with unhoused veterans,” Gregory said. “Little did I know that, you know, this is gonna be a lifetime challenge — we’re here 11 years later.”
During public comment the committee heard competing testimony. Richard Hack, a nearby resident, urged delay and transparency, saying Gregory had conducted “about zero outreach” to neighbors and alleging unauthorized painting on private property. “So, what exactly would we be commemorating here?” Hack asked, urging a records request on project spending. Several nearby residents and community partners — including artists, Tenderloin organizations and participants in Veterans Alley — urged approval, calling the alley an important cultural space and outreach hub for veterans.
Preston acknowledged neighbors’ concerns and said his office could facilitate conversations between Veterans Alley and property owners. After discussion, Preston moved that the committee send the resolution to the full board with a positive recommendation; the clerk recorded the vote and the motion passed.
The committee’s action is a recommendation to the full Board of Supervisors; final adoption would occur at a subsequent Board hearing.
Vice Chair Preston, the resolution’s sponsor, told the committee the mural project was founded in October 2011 by Amos Gregory and Gilbert Lovato to engage unhoused veterans and transform a troubled alley into a community space. “For many San Francisco veterans, this was the first time they’ve been able to share their stories and process their military experience in a productive, positive way,” Preston said.
Amos Gregory, the project cofounder, described the group’s history and activities, including internships, block parties and a community center. “We started off with unhoused veterans,” Gregory said. “Little did I know that, you know, this is gonna be a lifetime challenge — we’re here 11 years later.”
During public comment the committee heard competing testimony. Richard Hack, a nearby resident, urged delay and transparency, saying Gregory had conducted “about zero outreach” to neighbors and alleging unauthorized painting on private property. “So, what exactly would we be commemorating here?” Hack asked, urging a records request on project spending. Several nearby residents and community partners — including artists, Tenderloin organizations and participants in Veterans Alley — urged approval, calling the alley an important cultural space and outreach hub for veterans.
Preston acknowledged neighbors’ concerns and said his office could facilitate conversations between Veterans Alley and property owners. After discussion, Preston moved that the committee send the resolution to the full board with a positive recommendation; the clerk recorded the vote and the motion passed.
The committee’s action is a recommendation to the full Board of Supervisors; final adoption would occur at a subsequent Board hearing.
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