11/13/07

TO:  Mayor Della Sala
CC:  Council Members Downey, Haferman, Selfridge, and Sollecito, Planner Rick Marvin    Clyde Roberson, Rick Heuer, Richard Rucello
FR:  Bob Evans on behalf of the Open the Window Committee
RE:  Catellus Property

A month ago I wrote you about the opportunity posed by the East Catellus property along with a number of photos and suggestions for realizing that opportunity.  However, after discussing these ideas with Rick Marvin and a number of neighbors and fellow residents I realized the following:

1. Residents uniformly believe the purchase of the Catellus property was going to allow the opening of the Window on the Bay to conform to the original concept of a window extending from Figueroa to Park Avenue. Measure G, which passed by 85% is only one measure of the public's desire for this outcome.

2. A long-range vision and plan must be adopted by the Council so that immediate or near-term decisions do not preclude the realization of the long-range vision for the Catellus property.

3. That long-range vision must be laid out so that all of us can understand the opportunity and direction intended.

The attached map lays out the elements of a vision for an open Window on the Bay, not a precise plan or design.  It is a modified version of the map entitled: "Catellus Properties: Phase 1 Plan - Freight Depot Relocated, dated August 2003, and modified by Council 11/04/03". 

This vision removes the existing Scout house and Kayak building and replaces them with paved and unpaved open space and an open pavilion (suggested by Coastal Commission staff) available to all.  This new open space and the beach can serve group functions (by permit) much as it does today but it will allow more general use by the public as well.  And it opens the view of the bay and the shoreline in the distance.

A new building/facility is proposed at the foot of wharf 2 to house new public restrooms, hand or beach-launched boat storage and kayak rentals.  This will place these beach-based boating activities immediately adjacent to the shoreline thus improving access to the beach for these uses. Kayak rentals from this new building are meant to offset the kayak rentals from the removed kayak building. The large or trailerable boat storage has been moved to the west Catellus site and adjacent to the proposed traffic circle to make access to and from the hoist or launching ramp as simple as possible.  The new storage area would be a drive-through facility requiring a minimum of backing up.

The recreation/multiuse trail will use a route similar to the current configuration.  The proposed trail along the harbor should be a pedestrian promenade.  The multiuse trail encourages bicycle commuting which is not very compatible with strolling and sight seeing along the harbor.

Again, we see this as the long-range vision or goals - not something that will be accomplished in a few months or even in a year or two.  However, as the elements of the vision are designed and executed you will be able to predict and schedule the changes. This will allow you to advise and guide the existing tenants so that they can prepare for and adapt to the changes that will happen. 

What will be your legacy?  A Window on the Bay with obstructed views, housing private parties, retail and commercial operations and miscellaneous boats.  Or a beautiful Open Window on the Bay available to all for all types of beach dependent activities.