Preservationists Say Coit Tower Concessions Violate Spirit Of Prop B

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) - A concession lease up for approval Thursday that allows for private parties at Coit Tower once a month violates the spirit of a non-binding measure recently approved by voters urging the city to limit commercial activity at the popular landmark, preservationists said.

"Coit Tower needs to remain a public building, not a commercial venue or a private party venue," said John Golinger, spokesman for Proposition B that passed with 53 percent of the vote on June 5.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:

City officials would not comment on the proposal, expected to be approved by the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission.

The city recently set aside $1.7 million to fix up the tower and do restoration on its Depression-era artwork.

Golinger fears that regular private events would expose the delicate Works Progress Administration murals to even more wear than they face from the thousands of visitors who stream through every month.

"It's a shame and it's really not, clearly not the way that people want Coit Tower to be used," he said.

In the days leading up to the election, park officials pointed out that revenue collected at nearly all park facilities funds maintenance and operating costs throughout the park system.

Prop B urged city leaders to dedicate admission fees collected at Coit Tower to the tower's upkeep.

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