1685 Main Street, Room 240, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8310 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity Recreation and Parks Commission
April 4, 2022
Mayor Himmelrich and City Council Members
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: Memorial Park Plan/Santa Monica College Negotiations Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Council Members,
At its Thursday, March 17th meeting, the Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission discussed and by unanimous vote agreed to request that you direct city staff to restart negotiations with Santa Monica College and its Board of Trustees as to when the College plans to fulfill its promise and obligation to pay “Up to $20 million dollars” from the Measure V Bond of 2016 to help pay for the Memorial Park Redesign.
We also request you or city staff provide us with an update on the progress of the above negotiations within 60 days of receipt of this letter.
In 2016, Measure V also promised $20 million to SMMUSD for the new JAMS Auditorium and did fulfill that promise, but the City of Santa Monica is still waiting for the $20 million dollars SMC promised in the same bond measure for Memorial. At the time, commissioners were assured by city officials, staff and SMC representatives that the full $20 million would go towards Memorial Park.
Negotiations between the City and College stalled in 2019, then the pandemic hit.
Thank you for your leadership and efforts to help push the Memorial Park Plan forward. It’s time.
Sincerely,
Lori Brown
Lori Brown
Chair, Recreation and Parks Commission
cc: Recreation and Parks Commission
Andy Agle, Director of Community Services Department
Jeanette Gant, Community Recreation Manager