HomeMy WebLinkAboutClosed Session - Public CommentFrom:Nickie McLaughlin
To:Grace Garner; Jeffrey Bernstein; Ron deHarte; Christy Holstege; Lisa Middleton
Cc:CityManager; City Clerk
Subject:The many "why"s" - submitted for public record
Date:Thursday, November 9, 2023 11:28:20 AM
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Honorable Mayor Garner and Council,
While what to be discussed in closed session is unknown, I am contacting the council to express my
concerns over the upcoming initiative regarding the Marilyn statue.
It is with extreme disappointment that we learn that this initiative is once again being conducted behind
closed doors with zero input from the citizens. I believe, as a council, you all ran on the important issue of
transparency following the Wessman/Pougnet debacle which was the correct thing to do. But from the very
beginning the process involving the placement of the statue has proven to be as clear as mud, which begs
the question, why?
Why wasn’t the public involved in the early meetings prior to going public with the announcement that the
statue was going to be moved to Museum Way?
Why was the approved re-design of the downtown plan ignored after everyone, including the council,
approved of placing the statue in the new downtown park?
Why does PS Resorts and in particular, Aftab Dada have the right to make changes to the decision made by
your citizens?
Museum Way was created for one reason, to open up a road from Palm Canyon Drive to the architecturally
significant PS Art Museum that had been hidden by the former mall. Who made the decision not to involve
public input and why?
Due to the work of many organizations and individuals, midcentury modern architecture has now become
the number one tourist attraction. Why would you choose to block the very building that the road was
created for?
The museum is a Class One Historic site and even more importantly in the National Register of Historic
Places. Why was this not taken into consideration?
The future development of the downtown plan will include increased density with another hotel, residential
and retail being added. Where is the study that supports the closure of the road, which could very well
affect emergency access?
What right has been given to you, as a council, to approve an initiative that is based on lies?
Why was the public not made aware that PS Resorts is funding the initiative, which in turn means the city of
Palm Springs is essentially paying for it?
11/9/2023
Public Comment
Closed Session
How much money was spent on hiring signature gatherers?
Who trained the gatherers to support misinformation when discussing the issue with the general public?
Why do you support the lies signature gatherers spread, along with Aftab Dada, by saying that CReMa
wants the statue moved to the city junk yard, when the truth is we support including the statue in the
original plan or at an alternate location?
Has this council discussed any re-location areas?
I guess I could continue, but hopefully you get the point. LACK OF TRANSPARENCY.
It saddens me to the core that the council, many of whom I have an enormous amount of respect for, have
chosen to endorse this very shady process. I do realize that the newer members inherited the issue prior to
being elected, but your voices remain silent too.
As elected officials it should be your duty to be honest and open and not to favor an organization over
public input. PS Resorts makes outrageous claims as to the financial tourism benefits. Would you please
ask them to provide financial evidence to their claims?
I implore you to rethink your actions.
Sincerely,
Nickie McLaughlin
Founder CReMa
11/9/2023
Public Comment
Closed Session
From:Christy Holstege
To:City Clerk
Subject:Fw: Statement on Forever Marilyn
Date:Thursday, November 9, 2023 6:30:13 PM
Christy Gilbert Holstege, Esq.
Councilmember
City of Palm Springs, District 4 Tel: (760) 323-8200
3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Fax: (760) 323-8207
Palm Springs, CA 92262
www.palmspringsca.gov christy.holstege@palmspringsca.gov
From: Adam Lerner <alerner@psmuseum.org>
Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 4:19 PM
To: Christy Holstege <Christy.Holstege@palmspringsca.gov>
Subject: Statement on Forever Marilyn
NOTICE: This message originated outside of The City of Palm Springs -- DO NOT CLICK on links or open attachments
unless you are sure the content is safe.
Hi Christy,
I am writing to you now to communicate the statement the Palm Springs Art Museum Board of
Trustees developed regarding the placement of Forever Marilyn:
Palm Springs Art Museum recognizes that the Forever Marilyn statue is beloved by a
tremendous number of residents and visitors. Given that its placement is now once again
part of public debate and the museum can weigh in on the urban design issues occasioned
by its location, the Board of Trustees of the museum reaffirms the museum’s commitment
to the 2016 Downtown Palm Springs plan, which created an unobstructed corridor from
Palm Canyon Drive. We fully support the placement of the statue in the adjacent park
where it was originally intended to be or another location where the public can continue to
view it.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions at all about this matter.
I am grateful to you for your service to the city and your support of the art museum.
Best,
Adam
11/9/2023
Public Comment
Closed Session