Save Our Heritage Organisation isn't ready to let bypasses be bypasses.
Today, the historical preservation group announced they will challenge the city council's decision to remove vehicles from Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama and force park goers to pay for parking in a new parking structure behind the Organ Pavilion.
The announcement comes just one day after the city council voted 6-1 in favor of a proposal backed by Irwin Jacobs.
The group claims the plan to build a bypass road from the Cabrillo Bridge will destroy a National Landmark and violate a city law which guarantees ‘a free and public park' for perpetuity.
"The costly Jacobs plan is indefensible in terms of minor net parking gains, huge public costs for construction and maintenance, and the introduction of paid parking for Park visitors. In addition to financial drawbacks for the city, it is undisputed that the Jacobs plan would irreparably damage the iconic 1914 Cabrillo Bridge by cutting through its historic fabric for a new, freeway-of ramp style bypass bridge and road system that wraps around the historic entry buildings. The plan would also encroach upon Alcazar Garden and Palm Canyon and alter the aesthetics and park experience of Balboa Park. The City concedes that the new bypass bridge will significantly impact an historic landmark, as confirmed by the environmental impact report, but contends that such impacts are justified by project benefits. SOHO and thousands of San Diegans disagree," read a statement from Save Our Heritage Organisation's executive director Bruce Coons.
Save Our Heritage Organisation is now looking for donors to help fund the upcoming legal challenge.
Save Our Heritage Organisation isn't ready to let bypasses be bypasses.
Today, the historical preservation group announced they will challenge the city council's decision to remove vehicles from Balboa Park's Plaza de Panama and force park goers to pay for parking in a new parking structure behind the Organ Pavilion.
The announcement comes just one day after the city council voted 6-1 in favor of a proposal backed by Irwin Jacobs.
The group claims the plan to build a bypass road from the Cabrillo Bridge will destroy a National Landmark and violate a city law which guarantees ‘a free and public park' for perpetuity.
"The costly Jacobs plan is indefensible in terms of minor net parking gains, huge public costs for construction and maintenance, and the introduction of paid parking for Park visitors. In addition to financial drawbacks for the city, it is undisputed that the Jacobs plan would irreparably damage the iconic 1914 Cabrillo Bridge by cutting through its historic fabric for a new, freeway-of ramp style bypass bridge and road system that wraps around the historic entry buildings. The plan would also encroach upon Alcazar Garden and Palm Canyon and alter the aesthetics and park experience of Balboa Park. The City concedes that the new bypass bridge will significantly impact an historic landmark, as confirmed by the environmental impact report, but contends that such impacts are justified by project benefits. SOHO and thousands of San Diegans disagree," read a statement from Save Our Heritage Organisation's executive director Bruce Coons.
Save Our Heritage Organisation is now looking for donors to help fund the upcoming legal challenge.