MCA Perspective on Presidio Museum

[Member Communications]

July 9, 2008

 

Based on input from our members, and consistent with our charter to preserve the quality of life in the Marina, the Directors of the MCA passed the following resolution:

 

"The Marina Community Association is opposed to the Contemporary Art Museum in the Presidio (CAMP) in its currently proposed location and design at the Main Post of the Presidio."

 

While we appreciate the cultural benefits of a museum; the location and scale of the current proposal are cause for concern. Following a review of the Draft SEIS issued in June 2008, and based on further member commentary, the MCA Board advocates that The Presidio Trust's proposed action is not in the best interests of the residents of San Francisco and encourages the Trust to consider alternatives.

 

Our position is supported by the following observations:

 

·        The National Park Service stated that the proposed development will endanger the National Historic Landmark status of the Presidio, which undermines the Presidio Trust's "unequivocal commitment" to protecting this status, per the 2002 SEIS.

 

·        CAMP anticipates in excess of a million visitors annually; as the Draft SEIS report indicated, even with improvements to traffic signage and controls, the vast majority of locations studied will achieve unacceptable levels of traffic delay.

 

·        A corresponding proposal to extend the historic streetcar from fisherman's wharf through the Marina – using Beach, Cervantes, and/or Marina Blvd – will significantly and negatively impact Marina residents.

 

·        The current proposal commercializes the Presidio beyond the limits set by the original 2002 management plan, and raises concerns of ongoing commercial development.

 

·        The Presidio Trust is already on a path to financial self-sufficiency and does not need the additional income generated by the CAMP to achieve its 2013 target.

 

·        The design of the CAMP is in violent contrast to the historic architecture of the surrounding buildings.  The peak height of the building, its 100,000 square foot size, and the expected attendance levels all defy the parameters of appropriateness for new construction at the Main Post.

 

The Draft SEIS suggests several alternative locations and designs for CAMP, some of which would alleviate many of the above-mentioned concerns while still providing the same cultural benefit. The Draft SEIS, including a summary of the alternatives proposed, can be found at www.presidio.gov.  As always, we encourage members to voice their perspectives by writing to in...@sfmca.org, providing content for the monthly newsletter, and attending quarterly general meetings.

 

Marina Community Association
www.sfmca.org

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