New Group Would Monitor Presidio Plans

Several organizations have petitioned the SF Board of Supervisors to create a working group to monitor and suggest changes for development plans at the Presidio. In response, Supervisor Michela Alioto-Pier has submitted a resolution to the Board of Supervisors that would establish a watchdog coalition to analyze traffic and transit issues and respond to residents' concerns.

The Presidio and the City/County of San Francisco Transportation Work Group would be comprised of representatives from the mayor's office, city departments and community groups. The group is primarily being formed to respond to large projects planned for the Presidio, including the creation of a contemporary art museum, movie multi-plex and hotel planned for the main post.

The Presidio Historical Association, Marina Community Association, Cow Hollow Association and the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods, an umbrella organization representing 30 neighborhood groups, sent a letter to the Presidio Trust opposing the 100,000-square-foot art museum. The Trust is responsible for overseeing all affairs at the national park.

The Coalition passed a resolution in mid-April citing concerns about maintaining the Presidio's historic integrity and called for the Trust to investigate traffic, transportation and parking plans that could have an adverse effect on nearby communities.

"The Trust is supposed to preserve and restore this most historic area, not urbanize it," said Gary Widman, president of the Presidio Historical Association.

The Board of Supervisors is expected to tackle the issue at a meeting in early June.