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Alameda Megaplex Battle Update - 6/22
Interestingly enough, we are still being called a "small group" despite petition signatures which have almost doubled since only last week when we presented close to a 1,000 names, and despite the admitted fact that the City Council and Mayor cannot answer their communications promptly because they are overwhelmed by the number of letters and emails being received on this topic. Do not feel "belittled" keep asking your elected officials to acknowledge your request for a meeting. Some of them will be at your door next year asking for your reelection vote, finding out the exact size of a "small group." Also do not be discouraged when members of PSBA say this is a done deal. It is not a done deal and it is not too late too change the course of the plan.
Latest News (updated 6/22/05)
At the Tuesday (6/21) City Council meeting both PSBA members and citizens opposing the megaplex stayed late to address the Council on the off-agenda topic of the proposed theater/garage project. Having finally gotten the attention of Park Street business owners, the main point we tried to make was that a citizens' meeting dedicated to the theater issue is needed. PSBA members, naturally, urged the Council to ignore the protests and move forward with the project.
Unfortunately, the tone of the meeting was not as respectful as the last Planning Board meeting. Characteristically, PSBA Executive Director Rob Ratto called the idea of revisiting the project "ludicrous." At the same time, some in the audience objected inappropriately to the differential treatment of speakers by the Mayor after the timing bell rang. We regret the tone on our side, and will try to contain such outbursts and address any perceived unfairness in a more constructive manner. Still, we feel that the Council is more attentive to the isolated voice of PSBA in support of their project than it is to that of the general public opposed to it.
Interestingly enough, we are still being called a "small group" despite petition signatures which have almost doubled since only last week when we presented close to a 1,000 names, and despite the admitted fact that the City Council and Mayor cannot answer their communications promptly because they are overwhelmed by the number of letters and emails being received on this topic.
Do not feel "belittled" keep asking your elected officials to acknowledge your request for a meeting. Some of them will be at your door next year asking for your reelection vote, finding out the exact size of a "small group." Also do not be discouraged when members of PSBA say this is a done deal. It is not a done deal and it is not too late too change the course of the plan.
On a hopeful note, Councilmember DeHaan asked at one point to see the economic feasibility study for the theater, as well as a new marketing study (the last one was done in 1997.) Since the press has been saturated lately with reports of declining movie attendance and chains merging, we feel that this was a very reasonable request on his part.
The next important meeting is the Planning Board meeting next Monday the 27th when we'll urge Board members not to approve any designs before a public meeting on the merits of the whole project is scheduled. Please stay tuned and stay active.
Citizens for a Megaplex-Free Alameda
http://www.stopalamedamegaplex.com/
See also:
http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/06/1748118.php
At the Tuesday (6/21) City Council meeting both PSBA members and citizens opposing the megaplex stayed late to address the Council on the off-agenda topic of the proposed theater/garage project. Having finally gotten the attention of Park Street business owners, the main point we tried to make was that a citizens' meeting dedicated to the theater issue is needed. PSBA members, naturally, urged the Council to ignore the protests and move forward with the project.
Unfortunately, the tone of the meeting was not as respectful as the last Planning Board meeting. Characteristically, PSBA Executive Director Rob Ratto called the idea of revisiting the project "ludicrous." At the same time, some in the audience objected inappropriately to the differential treatment of speakers by the Mayor after the timing bell rang. We regret the tone on our side, and will try to contain such outbursts and address any perceived unfairness in a more constructive manner. Still, we feel that the Council is more attentive to the isolated voice of PSBA in support of their project than it is to that of the general public opposed to it.
Interestingly enough, we are still being called a "small group" despite petition signatures which have almost doubled since only last week when we presented close to a 1,000 names, and despite the admitted fact that the City Council and Mayor cannot answer their communications promptly because they are overwhelmed by the number of letters and emails being received on this topic.
Do not feel "belittled" keep asking your elected officials to acknowledge your request for a meeting. Some of them will be at your door next year asking for your reelection vote, finding out the exact size of a "small group." Also do not be discouraged when members of PSBA say this is a done deal. It is not a done deal and it is not too late too change the course of the plan.
On a hopeful note, Councilmember DeHaan asked at one point to see the economic feasibility study for the theater, as well as a new marketing study (the last one was done in 1997.) Since the press has been saturated lately with reports of declining movie attendance and chains merging, we feel that this was a very reasonable request on his part.
The next important meeting is the Planning Board meeting next Monday the 27th when we'll urge Board members not to approve any designs before a public meeting on the merits of the whole project is scheduled. Please stay tuned and stay active.
Citizens for a Megaplex-Free Alameda
http://www.stopalamedamegaplex.com/
See also:
http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/06/1748118.php
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