By Marilyn Brennan Santa Monica
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sharon McGeeney (“Leaders have no aesthetic acumen,” page 4, June 21) and Dan Jansenson for their insightful and illuminating letters.
Ms. McGeeney addressed the fact that City Hall is taking classes on “Butt-Ugly” and are trying to put up more and more ugly structures and ruining this once beautiful little city. I couldn’t agree more. She also mentions the tree destruction about to happen on Fourth and Second streets. The reason for this demise (we’ve been told) is that businesses complain that no can see their signs. She said she drove down both streets and had no trouble seeing signs.
Which brings us to Mr. Jansenson’s letter — as a business owner on Fourth Street, he denied that these business owners are upset with the trees. In fact, one business owner actually circulated a petition to save these beautiful, healthy trees. So, we’ve been lied to about the real reason for their demise. And don’t tell us the trees’ upkeep costs more than the $700,000 allocated to tear them down. If so, let’s see the figures. Also cited is the fact the roots are ruining the sidewalks. This is happening all over Santa Monica. So does City Hall want all the big beautiful trees ripped up to save the concrete?
My gut feeling is that the reason for the ugly buildings (the Village) and the killing of these trees both have a money-based factor. Someone’s pockets are going to bulge from both of these “projects.” I would plead with City Hall to stop the unconscionable decisions that are ruing the city — tearing down healthy trees, building projects that uglify the city, giving the city over to the transients. The ocean will be the only beautiful thing left. And, of course, you can’t go into the ocean near Santa Monica.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 29, 2007. Read the original PDF.