Comment Period Extended, Newsom Booed
The public came out in droves last night to comment on the Presidio Trust’s controversial plan for the Main Post. Many were turned away. In addition to the many comments offered until the meeting finally closed at around midnight, two major things happened:
(1) The comment period for the Main Post SEIS was extended to September 19, 2008. We thank the Presidio Trust for the additional time to analyze the documents and develop comments on this complex proposal. There will be a second public meeting, as yet unscheduled, prior to the close of public comment.
(2) Mayor Gavin Newsom was soundly booed out of the building after appearing before the gathering and making an extended series of comments in support of the Museum proposal. While other museum supporters were given time, shown respect and lightly applauded, the mayor was actually booed.
Frankly, it was embarrassing to see a city leader appear so insensitive and uninformed about concerns voiced by citizens opposed to the proposal and clearly in the majority at the meeting. Perhaps it was his tone. Perhaps it was his dismissiveness towards museum opponents. Perhaps it was that he came out publicly in favor of a proposal prior to receiving his own staff’s analysis, but still offering that staff’s help.
Whatever. The audience let him know that they were not happy with his performance.
My non-scientific estimate was that for every comment in favor of the proposal there were three strongly opposed. The meeting was recorded and we were told that the comments would be posted on the Trust website soon, so a more thorough analysis will be possible then.
–Doug Kern
Tags: Gavin Newsom, main post, public comment, SEIS