In a close vote, San Francisco residents are favoring a measure to close a two-mile section of Great Highway to cars, transforming it into a public recreational area along Ocean Beach. With 54.2% of counted votes supporting Proposition K, the measure aims to turn the roadway between Lincoln Way and Sloat Boulevard into a space for pedestrians and cyclists.
As of Friday’s update, “yes” votes outnumbered “no” by more than 22,000, though around 117,000 ballots remained uncounted. Supervisor Joel Engardio, who introduced the proposition, and other supporters argue this closure is necessary due to the ongoing coastal erosion along the Great Highway. Supervisor Myrna Melgar expressed optimism, saying, “We’re making lemonade out of lemons, because that road is already eroding into the ocean.”
The measure doesn’t allocate funds for developing a park but is seen as a crucial first step. Critics, especially from the Sunset District, worry about traffic and commute impacts. Despite opposition from some community leaders, the gradual erosion of the roadway has made further closures seem inevitable to proponents.