Ann Street Goes One-Way
Still-covered sign on Ann Street apparently explains how to park.
As The Chronicle reported previously, Ann Street between Fifth and Division streets was scheduled to convert to one-way eastbound on Sunday, Nov. 9. The conversion, which is in part motivated by an effort to increase on-street parking by using angled spaces, had originally been scheduled for the previous Sunday. That date was adjusted at the suggestion of councilmember Marcia Higgins, who figured there would be enough confusion on Election Day, without adding a new one-way block to the equation.
We checked yesterday (Nov. 9) to see if the one-way restriction had been implemented, and returned this morning to check again. As of 8 a.m. the signage was in the same condition as yesterday: mostly still shrouded in black plastic. Large blinking signs alert motorists to the Nov. 9 conversion to one-way, and the “Wrong Way” sign at Division and Ann has been unveiled. But the one-way signs themselves and the signs located behind each parking space were still under wraps.
Judging from section of the diagram on the parking signs that is visible (a number “3″ on a car shown parked perfectly inside the angled lines), the signage provides three-step instructions on how to maneuver one’s car into the spaces. The instruction is likely perceived as necessary in light of the configuration of the spaces, which is probably somewhat unfamiliar to many motorists. The layout requires them to pass by a space, then back into it.