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Open Forum: Strong protest against unilateral street closure decision for SF Chinatown night market without merchant consultation

Edward Siu / 邵旗謙
January 25, 2026
San Francisco Chinatown merchants complain that the Chinatown Night Market, which will mark its 4th year in 2026, not only did not bring more business to most shops in Chinatown, instead they lost customers because streets were closed to vehicles, street vendors blocked their front doors, parking spaces were removed, traffic was jammed, and shoppers would rather buy food from vendors than going inside the restaurants. Courtesy Chinatown merchants
San Francisco Chinatown merchants complain that the Chinatown Night Market, which will mark its 4th year in 2026, not only did not bring more business to most shops in Chinatown, instead they lost customers because streets were closed to vehicles, street vendors blocked their front doors, parking spaces were removed, traffic was jammed, and shoppers would rather buy food from vendors than going inside the restaurants. Courtesy Chinatown merchants

On behalf of the Chinatown and Sunset Merchants United Association in San Francisco, I am writing this open letter to express our strong protest and deep dissatisfaction regarding the planned street-closure event on Grant Avenue hosted by BeChinatown on February 4, Wednesday, which was publicly promoted and advanced without any public hearing, formal notice, or prior consultation with affected merchants and residents.

We strongly object to the manner in which this decision was made. Proceeding with a street closure that significantly impacts daily business operations, customer access, deliveries, and neighborhood activity—without engaging those who will bear the consequences—is unacceptable.

This approach reflects a unilateral, non-transparent, and top-down decision-making process that disregards the rights, voices, and livelihoods of Chinatown merchants.

Publicly promoting an event before proper review or consultation appears to be an attempt to pressure city departments into approving a predetermined outcome, rather than following an accountable and inclusive process.

Chinatown merchants are already facing substantial economic hardship. Any street closure further compounds these challenges. Therefore, we formally demand clear answers to the following:

1. Why was no public hearing or merchant consultation conducted prior to approving and promoting this street closure?

2. What justification exists for making a decision that directly affects merchants without their input?

3. Is there any compensation, mitigation, or financial relief plan for businesses that will suffer losses as a result of this closure?

4. What concrete and measurable benefits do such events provide to Chinatown merchants?

5. Why were merchants not properly informed or briefed before this decision was finalized and announced?

Our Association is extremely disappointed by this disregard for due process and community engagement. While we support well-planned community activities, we categorically oppose any actions that disrupt commerce and daily life without transparency, consultation, and accountability.

Chinatown merchants do not oppose events—we oppose being ignored.

Decisions that affect our neighborhood must not be made in isolation or imposed without consent.

We call on city departments and event organizers to immediately review this matter, engage in meaningful dialogue with affected stakeholders, and establish a formal consultation process for any future street closures or events.

Failure to do so risks further eroding trust and demonstrates a troubling disregard for the rights of Chinatown merchants.

This open letter serves as our formal and official protest.

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Ed Siu is the Founder and Chairman of both the Chinatown Merchants United Association of San Francisco and Sunset Merchants United Association of San Francisco. Both associations were established in 2020 and 2023 respectively with a mission to serve and support merchants in the neighborhoods.