Library/LGBT Historical Society
AS noted here last month, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay/ Bisexual/Transgendered Historic Society has proposed that a new Museum and Archives of LGBT history and Eureka Valley Library be built on the site of the existing Library on 16th Street near Noe. At a well attended community meeting hosted by Supervisor Bevan Dufty, the details of this idea were presented. Many CAPA members were in attendance and there was a very productive discussion about the concept. CAPA members in general supported the idea, but asked that other options be considered ,such as preserving the building and adding to it, exchanging sites for a more prominent site such as the church site half a block away near Market St., and ensuring that the project does not burden the nearby residential area with excess traffic.
Currently the building is slated to be renovated for seismic safety with bond money passed last year; the proposal would use that money plus several million more form other sources to construct a new building on the site. However the bond money must be committed one way or another in the next five months, so a decision and additional funding is need soon.
CAPA has long supported creating new facilities in the Castro for gay and lesbian community groups. This one would be especially welcome since it will provide a sense of the history of the Castro and the LGBT community in San Francisco for both residents and visitors, and would be meaningful for queer and straight people. A project such as this would have international prominence fitting for the Castro’s preeminence as the epicenter of the Gay movement
Time to Renew Memberships
As a member you have
helped CAPA succeed in the past year in making our voice heard for smart
planning and community identity in the Castro. The community has responded
positively to CAPA’s leadership on issues including traffic calming, Trader
Joe’s and now the proposed LGBT History Center. CAPA needs to continue to address
issues of a changing neighborhood; I hope that you will continue your
membership and participation in the group. One way to do that is to send in
your renewal on the back of this mailer. Also, I hope that if you are not
active already you can attend a meeting and find out how you can help, or you
might also consider standing for one of the officer positions – president,
vice-president or secretary, at the meeting this month.
2004 was a year that
CAPA needed to react to various issues that were put before us. In 2005, we
need to move forward on the Castro Specific Plan that we can be a catalyst a
more comprehensive plan. We will also need to reach out more to other community
groups and work with like minded civic organizations to achieve our goals.
Thanks to all of you
for your continued support, and I look forward to working with you in 2005.
Joe Curtin,
President
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GENERAL MEETING
Thursday, December 9, 2004
Library/GLBT Historical Society The GLBT Historical Society has proposed that the Eureka Valley Library, currently slated for a seismic structural upgrade and remodeling, be rebuilt to include a Museum of GLBT History with a new library. CAPA was invited to a community meeting with Supervisor Bevan Dufty to discuss the proposal.
Members in attendance were unanimous in supporting the proposal, if the following issues could be addressed :
a) The sponsors should explore a site swap – building new building on a more prominent site such as at 16th and Noe, with the current site developed into affordable housing.
b) Preservation of the building, with an addition for new library functions and the History Center should be considered.
c) Any parking should be underground.
d) A buffer zone is needed between the building and local streets to prevent through traffic on those streets.
Related to this issue, Joe Curtin was contacted the day of the meeting by Supervisor Dufty responding to a neighbor of the Arco station; he would like the city to explore purchasing the site for use as a park, or other community use. The Trust for Public Land could be a source of funding for the purchase, although it seems as if the site is no longer on the market.
CAPA membership campaign CAPA needs to increase membership and improve communication with other groups. Michael Mullin suggested that we approach citywide groups with similar goals such as SPUR, the Bike Coalition and Rescue Muni to contact their members in the 94114 area. CAPA should also have regular contact with other neighborhood groups like Eureka Valley Promotion Assoc., Merchants of Upper Market + Castro, Dolores Heights Improvement Assoc, etc. through CAPA members who are also active in the those groups. CAPA should also plan a community event to attract members and raise funds. A lecture in March by local historian Greg Gaar, was suggested.
Castro Specific Plan
A draft executive plan should be prepared for distribution to
members, stakeholders and city officials in order to get the process moving
again
AGENDA FOR THE GENERAL MEETING
Thursday,
January 13, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
1. Call to Order/Introductions 7:30 p.m.
2. Approval of Agenda and previous meeting’s Minutes
3. Nomination and Election of Officers
4. Castro Specific Plan update
5. Membership Event Planning
6. Organizational Contacts Report
7. 2134-48 Market Street-proposal for new condo building
8. Other project updates
9. Finance Report and Membership Update
10. New Business
11. Adjournment 9:00 p.m.
584 Castro Street,
PMB 169
San Francisco, CA
94114-2588
PRESIDENT
Joseph Curtin
VICE-PRESIDENT Aaron Starr
SECRETARY
Steven Hall
BOARD
OF DIRECTORS Lawrence Maxwell
Michael Mullin
James Morse
CAPA GENERAL MEETING
Thurs.,
January 13, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Castro Meeting
Room, 501 Castro Street at 18th.
Second Floor,
above the Bank of America
See the full
agenda inside
