The Municipal Services Building, at 33 Arroyo Drive, is a crucial community hub serving our residents for over 40 years. It has been the heart of various community events and celebrations, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. As we face the threat of its demolition, we are not just fighting to save a physical structure but to preserve a vital part of our city’s heritage and ensure the well-being of our entire community.
The current agenda to demolish the MSB is a concerning result of the previous city manager’s vision for extensive development, which has had significant implications for our city. This push for massive development has led to a sense of alienation among our residents, leaving them voiceless in decisions that affect their daily lives. It’s imperative to hold our city officials accountable for the lack of oversight in managing the funds allocated in Measure W. Were we blindsided by Measure W language? We voted to increase and maintain: police/fire services; services for seniors/disabled; repairing streets/potholes; gang suppression and authorizing the city to increase its debt, with repayment made by sales tax revenues to accelerate projects. What we did not authorize was using Measure W funds as a catalyst for any capital project using the bare minimum to begin a project and further adding to our debt.
Furthermore, it is alarming to witness the dissemination of misinformation regarding the safety of the MSB. Why would our city officials spread inaccurate claims about the building not being seismically safe? This raises serious questions about their priorities and commitment to public safety and community welfare. Records show a FEMA grant was given in 2011 for seismic upgrades because our Fire Station No. 63, Police Communications Department, our Police Department, and public recreation classes were located here. Reviewing inspection reports and upgrades to the MSB at the Planning Department over the years, the MSB has been maintained including hiring a contractor who performed the work. It was deemed structurally sound after all the work was completed and it is compliant with Title 19. Coincidentally, the rumor about the MSB not being seismically safe is a known tactic to pave the way for the demolition and sell the parcel of land the MSB sits on to the highest bidder.
Recent events have shed light on an agenda to disregard the voices of our residents and prioritize profit over community concerns. We mustn’t allow this pattern to continue. The 2023-31 SSF Housing Element holds significant weight in shaping our community’s future, emphasizing the necessity of inclusivity in public participation and engagement. It’s pivotal to find a balance between responsible development and the genuine needs of our residents, especially considering the projected addition of 40,000 new residents in the next 10 years.
Effective communication between the city and its residents is currently lacking, as evidenced by the limited participation in surveys.
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The mistakes made in the planning and executing of the new Civic Center Campus are clear indicators that improvements are needed. Insufficient safe parking and unsynchronized traffic signals have put the safety of our residents at risk. We cannot overlook these crucial concerns and must address them to ensure the well-being of everyone in our community.
It’s time to ensure that the voices of our residents are not only heard but also valued. The MSB has been an indispensable part of our city for decades, with its Spanish architecture, central location and essential underground parking. Its design facilitates community connections for people of all ages, including those with disabilities. It serves as a cooling center and an Emergency Operations Center, highlighting its importance in times of need.
The MSB has the potential to expand our community services and cater to the needs of everyone, including those who rely on cars, families with time constraints, seniors with mobility issues and the disenfranchised. Our City Council must represent the interests of the longtime residents who have been the pillars of our community. We cannot disregard our roots and the essence of inclusivity that South San Francisco embodies.
In conclusion, the MSB is not just a building but a symbol of our community’s history, diversity and inclusivity. Saving the MSB is not just a matter of preservation; it’s about fostering a thriving and unified community that values every individual. We are South San Francisco, the Industrial City, and we must honor our past while building toward a brighter future.
Charlene Rouspil is a 47-year resident of South San Francisco. Before retirement, she owned a small business and worked in the design-build industry for 25 years.
Thank you, Charlene Rouspil, for a perspective that is shared by many concerned residents of South San Francisco. Ultimately, yours is a hopeful message that identifies a clear opportunity to collaboratively chart a future that serves our evolving community long term. I encourage all South City residents to conduct their own research on the matter and speak with your neighbors who have varied but equally valid interests in the direction of our city. The people who call this city 'home' must be the lodestar and central to the decisions and outcomes of our today and tomorrow.
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Thank you, Charlene Rouspil, for a perspective that is shared by many concerned residents of South San Francisco. Ultimately, yours is a hopeful message that identifies a clear opportunity to collaboratively chart a future that serves our evolving community long term. I encourage all South City residents to conduct their own research on the matter and speak with your neighbors who have varied but equally valid interests in the direction of our city. The people who call this city 'home' must be the lodestar and central to the decisions and outcomes of our today and tomorrow.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.