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Balboa Park[ing Garage]
City Council Votes to Level Plaza de Panama, Plans "Parking Structure That is Actually Designed to Last."
Councilman Gloria: "As we plan for the future, we must not forget to honor our past."
Mostly cardboard and paste.
HOPING THAT COUNCIL CHAMBERS ARE FIREPROOF/MOB-PROOF, DOWNTOWN — "Really, it was inevitable," says Councilman Todd Gloria of the City Council's controversial decision to demolish the structures built along Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama and replace them with a massive, Spanish-Colonial style parking garage. "Those structures were never meant to last. Master architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, who designed them for the California-Pacific Exposition of 1915-1916, begged the city to tear them down after the event, because he knew they were little more than theater sets. Of course, the city ignored him in favor of patching them up with plaster and chicken wire and staging another Expo in 1935. They saw a chance to wring a few more dollars out of their investment, and they weren't about to pass it up."
Gloria paused to shove a podium up against the Council Chamber doors, hoping to delay the angry mob outside. Then he continued: "But it was only a matter of time. Right now, those pretty cornices and colonnades are little more than a deathtrap, a major lawsuit waiting to happen. They had to come down eventually, and the crisis of downtown parking availability is a perfect occasion for doing the right thing. We solve two problems with one project. That's just good government. And on top of that, we have a chance to honor the wishes of Goodhue, who did so much to promote America's Finest City in its early days."
Gloria then slipped through an escape hatch located below his seat, but not before assuring this reporter that the planned parking garage would be "every bit as lovely as the California Building, except maybe without that churchy-spire thing."
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Balboa Park[ing Garage]
City Council Votes to Level Plaza de Panama, Plans "Parking Structure That is Actually Designed to Last."
Councilman Gloria: "As we plan for the future, we must not forget to honor our past."
Mostly cardboard and paste.
HOPING THAT COUNCIL CHAMBERS ARE FIREPROOF/MOB-PROOF, DOWNTOWN — "Really, it was inevitable," says Councilman Todd Gloria of the City Council's controversial decision to demolish the structures built along Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama and replace them with a massive, Spanish-Colonial style parking garage. "Those structures were never meant to last. Master architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, who designed them for the California-Pacific Exposition of 1915-1916, begged the city to tear them down after the event, because he knew they were little more than theater sets. Of course, the city ignored him in favor of patching them up with plaster and chicken wire and staging another Expo in 1935. They saw a chance to wring a few more dollars out of their investment, and they weren't about to pass it up."
Gloria paused to shove a podium up against the Council Chamber doors, hoping to delay the angry mob outside. Then he continued: "But it was only a matter of time. Right now, those pretty cornices and colonnades are little more than a deathtrap, a major lawsuit waiting to happen. They had to come down eventually, and the crisis of downtown parking availability is a perfect occasion for doing the right thing. We solve two problems with one project. That's just good government. And on top of that, we have a chance to honor the wishes of Goodhue, who did so much to promote America's Finest City in its early days."
Gloria then slipped through an escape hatch located below his seat, but not before assuring this reporter that the planned parking garage would be "every bit as lovely as the California Building, except maybe without that churchy-spire thing."
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Just about sums it up. Yup, that's what we in San Diego can expect from the people who represent us--another sell-out. Wonder why Mr. Gloria changed his tune?
Because he is going for the money so he can position himself to run for Congress...
Yet another MAJOR disappointment for all those that wanted a say in the way the City Government "runs" San Diego...
Face it, MONEY RULES in San Diego...
Todd Gloria...
I campaigned vigorously against his election. He's exactly the kind of political prostitute America does not need. He was brought up in the corruption in San Diego.
This was never a surprise to me that he'd vote this way. Anyone who thought otherwise isn't paying any attention.
Todd Gloria has a long career ahead of him...and it will probably end in a jail cell. Just a matter of time, friends.
Let the count down start...
awesome!! Thank you for writing this!! people outraged about this should make sure to follow the plaza de panama page on facebook...the one run by SOHO not the proponents of the project . We need to funnel the energy into 1 place and figure out who opposes this devastating plan so we can brainstorm solutions!!!
This project is so much bigger than the public realizes...thats why sooo many housing developers want it and testified demanding it. This will be the end of our park as we know it!
I think some of us are getting an inkling about how big this is--'redevelopment' types are having to look harder for their raw material, and now they want to take over city parks. It could get worse, which is why I say to whomever is reading this, share your information. If you know something, please make sure it does not remain the secret of a few. Even if you are completely demoralized and can stand up no longer, maybe someone else can do something with what you know.
Thank you a-holes on the city clowncil. Now the Zoo is going to have to react to this paid parking by making their customers pay as well. The zoo parking is free and unregulated. Where do you think people are going to park when they have to pay?
The zoo will have to charge for parking. Ace Parking, the asphalt mafia, will most likely be given the Balboa Park contract.
All I can say is fk that...Irwin Jacobs, his...lap-dog Jerry Sanders and the fools that follow.
This city council is ignorant, selfish and corrupt.
Ponzi-good points, what are those idiots thinking??????
The farce that took place Monday makes me wish I live in Sheri Li ghtner's district. Ms Lightner was the only Council member with the virtue to stand with the people and vote the right way. THANK YOU Ms. Lightner. I'm sure you sleep well at night.
I agree, eastlaker, everybody that has ANY knowlege about this issue needs to share it and the citizens need to be outraged and active to bring it to the forefront and expose the crooks and their lackeys (Todd, et al).
For a good article on this charade, check out San Diego Free Press: http://sandiegofreepress.org/2012/07/balboa-park-project-appears-to-be-illeg