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 July 24, 2007 To: Jim Armstrong, City Administrator City of Santa Barbara From: Paul Cashman, President The Riviera Association Re: Franceschi House- Historic Landmark Designation Dear Mr. Armstrong, It’s my understanding the city is considering the Franceschi House be designated a Historic Landmark. The Riviera Association feels this would be a mistake to grant such status at this time. The plan to rehabilitate the house remains unfunded. At our general membership meeting on May 1, 2005 the President of the Pearl Chase Society advised the residents of the Riviera the fundraising for the project was 50% completed, and the balance would be raised with 18-24 months. Twenty four months has come and gone and from what I can gather, little progress has been made in the fundraising effort. If historic landmark status is granted before the project is funded, we have no assurance the project will ever be completed. I would urge the city not to grant the historic landmark status before the fundraising is complete. At this time, there doesn’t appear to be a plan for completion of this project. I’m asking for public disclosure of the total cost to rehabilitate the home today, a disclosure of the money raised to date, a timeline for completion of the fundraising effort and a timeline for the reconstruction of the home. The fundraising should be completed, and a plan in place, before Historic Landmark designation is considered. Over the last several years I have spoken with many residents about what should be done with the Franceschi House. I’d say it’s fairly evenly split between removing the house, and restoring the house. However, 100% of all the residents agree it can’t continue to just sit there in disrepair. Currently it’s simply an attractive nuisance that poses a threat to the city and the residents of the Riviera. Sincerely, Paul Cashman, President The Riviera Association
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