From: Jeff McKeegan
To: City Council
Subject: Chapman Estate
Date: Thursday,February 13,2025 1:55:22 PM
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Dear Members of the City Council,
My name is Jeff McKeegan,and I worked with Clifford Chapman at Marshalls Jewelers for 12 years before purchasing the business. He was my friend and mentor until he died.
I sat across the desk from him while he developed his Trust.He shared his thoughts with me on every step,and his changing thoughts through the years.
He never lost his appreciation for the property and never took it for granted.
You all are aware of his humble beginnings.In our business,as in his life,he always stressed that people were the most important thing.
The value of his home to him was not just its beauty or the views,but the ability to use it as a venue to raise money for charity,and he loved to share it with the public.
In leaving the property to the city,Clifford's desire was primarily:
1.To guarantee access to this beautiful place for enjoyment by the public.
2.To preserve it as a venue for fundraising.
3.And to preserve the space by protecting it from development.
Although he allowed only a few family weddings there in his lifetime,he built the wedding spot on the cliff knowing that it would be a popular wedding venue that could raise significant operating funds.
It is my belief that the city should pass the property over to the Foundation. They are in a better position to be stewards of this special place.
The city could be free of overseeing it,but still have the benefit of its attraction to the public,and enjoyment by your citizens.
Clifford worked hard all his life.He taught us that it wasn't enough to just not step on others on your way up the ladder,but to take them with you.This was a key element of his success-"sharing the wealth".
And that is what he hoped the city would continue to do with his home.
Thank you,
Jeff McKeegan
Former President
Clifford Chapman Inc
Marshalls Jewelers