From: Brad Bilsten
To: City Council
Subject: Chapman Estate
Date: Friday,February 14,2025 9:08:00 PM
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Dear City Council Members-
I have been involved as a volunteer at the Chapman Estate for a number of years,mainly helping out with the Chapman Estate Foundation's Annual Fund Raiser.Recently,I volunteered to serve as the Foundation's Treasurer.
It is my opinion that the Estate should be a valuable asset to the City of Pismo Beach.I realize that the City was gifted the estate a number of years ago,and that it has not been able to support itself over the 10 plus years that the City has managed it,without economic assistance from the City.I believe there were many reasons/excuses that the estate has not been able to become self sustaining.Neighborhood concerns,lack of access because of Don living in the house,maintenance,and the strange/strained partnership between the City and the Chapman Estate Foundation.
During the early years the neighborhood was realistically concerned with the possible over use of the estate through events.As I understand many hours were spent coming up with a reasonable solution in the form of a CUP.That hurdle was solved,but then Covid hit,as well as not having access to the house because of Don occupying the upstairs.Then the ADU restroom remodel,and the subsequent storm damage to the Gull House.One problem after another.
It is my feeling that with everything that has gone on since the City was gifted the Chapman Estate,the property has not been given much of a chance to prosper.I believe that it can be an asset to the City.I think the answer would be to have a better relationship between the City,and the Chapman Estate Foundation.The estate could be added to the many reasons a tourist would enjoy spending time on the central coast,as well as the community should be allowed more access to enjoy this treasure.
I believe that if an executive director were hired to run the estate that there is a good chance that the estate could function at a break even basis.Gordon doesn't seem to have the time to market the Chapman Estate,and would probably enjoy having it taken off of his plate of responsibilities.An executive director could organize a plan to make the Chapman Estate successful.If the Gull House were fixed,rather than demolished,it could be part of a compensation package for the director,or possibly to an onsite manager.
The estate could be used for special events,weddings,a place for meetings,tours,classes,etc.It would be interesting to see if the City gave the Chapman Estate Foundation the authority to run the estate for a few years could they turn it into an asset for the City.
In closing,I want to emphasize that these ideas are my personal views,and I'm not representing the Chapman Estate Foundation in expressing them to the City Council.I know the decision of what to do with the Chapman Estate will not be an easy one,but I hope that it can be maintained for the community's enjoyment.If the City Council does decide to get rid of the Chapman Estate as an asset,I believe that the Chapman Estate Foundation would be a logical choice as the next steward of this property.
Sincerely,
Brad Bilsten
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