Major modifications made to West Portal intersection following deadly accident.

Residents of West Portal recently celebrated the completion of the West Portal Station Safety And Community Space Improvements Project by dressing up in polka dots to match the new artwork near the Muni station. This project included turning Lenox Way into a one-way street and restricting cars from passing through the intersection at West Portal Avenue and Ulloa Street. The changes were made to create a safer environment for pedestrians, especially children attending the nearby elementary school and those crossing the street to access public transportation. While the project was well-received by many, local business owners like Grace Shim expressed concerns about the decrease in foot traffic and the rise in food delivery services, which require them to pay high commissions. The project was initiated following a tragic incident where 79-year-old Mary Fong Lau crashed her SUV, resulting in the death of a family of four near the library. A memorial is being planned by the non-profit Livable City to honor the victims with a bronze statue featuring four pillars symbolizing the family members who lost their lives. Mary Fong Lau faces criminal charges and a civil lawsuit in connection with the accident.