Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000188 EndHTML:0000006838 StartFragment:0000002380 EndFragment:0000006802 SourceURL:file://localhost/Users/peggyclifford/Documents/Dear%20council%20members

I am truly sorry I cannot come and discuss with you the staff recommendations on the E.Broad Museum proposal in civic enter.

Here are some of my thoughts:

It seems that the opportunity for this to happen has passed. Mr. Broad is foraging in other places, and may not be interested in pursuing; his Museum in Santa Monica.

Staff has done a wonderful rich presentation with information about other institutions; their square feet, endowments, visitors, land gifts etc.. good information to have.

The report is lacking in details that are of the foremost important:

Who is the world-renowned architect? I have 200 plus signatures by members of the community who insist on the world-renowned architect to be our Frank Gehry.

The square footage went up from 85 K sq feet to 110 K sq feet and the estimated costs for the building went down from $100 M to $50-75 M. please explain

The collection issues have not been articulated either. What happens at the end of 99 years? Will Santa Monica own the collection in the building?

We have an important task to create a Museum of Art in Civic Center. The Community is supporting it and is enthusiastic about the future. We recognize the importance of an Art Museum in our midst. We also recognize that artists (locals who are world renowned) will not be represented in this private collection.

If it is a matter of 6 months before we hear YES or NO I personally have waited for 30 years and am willing to be patient just a little longer.

However I would encourage the council to direct staff that in the event of a NO response from Broad we open up a competition for this piece of Civic Center land that is so dear to ALL of us and see what offers comes back to build a Museum that we all agree upon and support.

Sincerely,

Bruria Finkel