HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #1B - email from BarnesFrom:Sarah Barnes
To:Planning
Subject:Thoughts on Marilyn
Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 8:21:23 AM
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To the Planning Commission,
I have been both a PSP part time resident and a past condo owner for several years. I am a
very enthusiastic supporter of all things Palm Springs- from the airport, to the downtown, to
the cultural and recreational activities available, to the food scene, to the Indigenous land
(including the new cultural center), the shopping and more. Palm Springs is a treasure.
And, I support having the Marilyn statue in Palm Springs. As a woman, there are many things
that bother me about the statue itself but that is not what is at issue here. What is at issue is
making her current location permanent. I feel that it is a huge mistake. Yes, she has been there
for 3 years now, and yes, she attracts tourists but tourists already come downtown. You don't
really need her as a big draw there. There are so many suitable locations that would not be
controversial and that could potentially bring tourists to another section of Palm Springs -
perhaps even bring tax dollars to another section of Palm Springs that hasn't been as fortunate
as the downtown drawing tourists.
I think permanently shutting down a street and blocking the Art Museum is a mistake. She is
not a part of the Art Museum. And her presence downtown seems unnecessary to me and has
caused controversy. Why surround her with controversy when she could be a welcome sight in
other areas? She would be a wonderful "Welcome to Palm Springs" ambassador if placed at
the Visitor Center, for example.
I feel like there are ample opportunities in Palm Springs to take advantage of a better
placement for Marilyn. I hope that the Committee will reconsider and relocate Marilyn and
reopen Museum Way.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sarah Barnes