Dear Members of the Board of Directors of the Presidio Trust:

The Presidio Trust is considering new development plans at the Main Post that would irrevocably change the future of the Presidio. Your names will be forever associated with this misguided decision. I am writing to request that you step back from your plans, understand the depth and breadth of public opposition to this proposal, and do not put a large hotel complex, and overly large multiplex theater expansion on the historic Main Post of the Presidio.

I am concerned about the proposed commercial developments at the Main Post of the Presidio for the following reasons:

Historical Integrity and Landmark Status. The Main Post is an area steeped in history. From the Miwok Indians, to Spanish explorers, to the founding of San Francisco and the establishment of El Presidio in 1776, this area of land has played a critical role in the history of the city, the state, and the nation. The historic buildings surrounding this area are reminders of the men and women who served our country during the First and Second World Wars. Thousands of soldiers are buried in the national cemetery, just a few hundred yards away from the Main Post. These development plans are entirely inconsistent with the Presidio’s historical significance and would threaten its National Historic Landmark District status.

Loss of Recreational Facilities. In a city with scarce open space and limited family-oriented recreational facilities, the removal of a bowling center and tennis court are unjustified, unless for a new history/heritage facility. Furthermore, the Main Post and surrounding area provide an open, traffic-free area for bicycling, running, and the enjoyment of a park-like environment.

Congestion. At a time of concern about global warming and the carbon footprint of our activities, it is irresponsible to propose a large hotel complex that, with the current and other planned attractions on the Main Post, are projected to attract nearly two million more visitors a year to the Presidio. The vast majority of these visitors will arrive by automobile. Furthermore, museums and hotels attract other forms of transportation, including tourist buses, delivery trucks, and taxi cabs. BART, the Caltrans station, and the ferries are over three miles away from the Main Post, and Muni is reducing its limited service to this area. The Presidio is not designed on a traffic grid, and the Main Post is a mile away from the nearest entrances.

The Tipping Point. The vast majority of visitors will arrive by automobile. Furthermore, museums and hotels attract other forms of transportation, including tourist buses, delivery trucks, and taxi cabs. BART, the Caltrans station, and the ferries are over three miles away from the Main Post, and Muni is reducing its limited service to this area. The Presidio is not designed on a traffic grid, and the Main Post is a mile away from the nearest entrances.

Sincerely,