PS MODCOM'S URGENT UPDATES ON ADVOCACY ISSUES
May 17, 2011
Town & Country Center
There is no inherent reason why the Town & Country Center (T&CC) must be tied to the future of the Fashion Plaza. In convincing key councilmembers of this position, PS ModCom is diligently working behind the scenes making the case that the T&CC should be decoupled from the new project because plowing a road through the historic property is not necessary for the project to succeed.
Right now the City and Wessman Development are working on a development agreement that will codify the current plans. It seems that a November ballot measure providing public financial support is needed for the project to move forward. PS ModCom is eager to publicly and financially support the ballot measure IF the Town & Country Center is removed from the project.
PS ModCom has been fighting for the preservation of the Town & Country Center since 2004 when it became threatened. In 2007, a rally at the site saw the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the California Preservation Foundation, and architect/historian Alan Hess publicly pronounce the tremendous significance of the T&CC and the need for its preservation and restoration.
Please visit the Urgent Issues section of our PSModCom.org website for details on the issue and the history of the Town & Country Center.
North Shore Yacht Club
We recently were informed of shocking plans to alter the North Shore Yacht Club at the Salton Sea. The building, designed by Albert Frey in 1959, was beautifully restored last year and received a PS ModCom Preservation Award for the incredible result.
The proposed alterations include the installation of an elevator, the widening of the suspended metal lobby staircase, and the opening of another exit. Because the property is a designated Riverside County Landmark, our attorney drafted a letter explaining that CEQA law requires the preparation of a full environmental impact report that will explore various alternatives to such harmful modifications. You can read the full letter at our website under Urgent Issues www.PSModCom.org
PS ModCom has offered to consult with the County (the property owner) about options under the State Historic Building Code that can meet the County’s needs for additional access without damaging the building’s historic fabric. And, if you haven’t already done so, please visit the North Shore Yacht Club with its wonderful museum. It’s one of the most exciting restoration efforts that I’ve ever seen.
Avanti!
Peter




















