The Marmalade District’s future Obama Community Orchard
Tracey Bushman wrote:
> Dear Mr. Ashdown,
> Please advise on the legal/financial ramifications of the following sentiment. We can’t afford to build a house on this lot, and no one will buy it due to the unique nature of it’s dizzying travels through BOA and HLC. Remember us? Public statement follows:
>
> It is with great and renewed hope and belief in our democratic system of government that we wish to donate our interest in our land, 667 Wall Street, to the public trust, under the provision that the manner of development of said land be decided by the residents of the block of Wall Street that played a deciding role, democratically, in superceeding our right of property when it came to designing what we deemed appropriate by measure of both the Historic Landmarks Commission and the Board of Adjustments. We do hope our neighbors on Wall street share our belief in President Elect Obama’s call to revitalize our Nation’s economy through public works projects, and we regret only that this is a relatively small contribution in light of the urgent economic needs of our country at this moment in history.
>
> Thank you.
>
> Sincerely,
> Tracey Bushman
>>> Pete Ashdown <pashdown@xmission.com> 11/10/08 08:59 AM >>>
Tracey, this is a magnanimous action on your part. I am sorry that the
neighbors were not more accommodating to your request, because I see
that lot every day and think personally that your house would have been
an asset to the neighborhood. Regrettably, I don’t know what the legal
ramifications are regarding a lot donation, you’ll still probably have
to talk to the city and an attorney for advice on this. Maybe you can
turn it it into a community garden or a pocket park dedicated to
President Obama.
I have been off Landmarks since shortly after your case. It wasn’t due
to the case, which was probably the most upsetting one I’ve had to deal
with during my tenure, but the fact that my second term was over. If
there is anything I can do to assist with your intent on the lot, please
let me know. I have no idea how the Wall Street people feel about it,
but I’d be happy to donate to the cause too.
Pete
Hi Pete! We talked about it and we were remembering that the neighbors next door told us and are on the public record saying they wanted an orchard and parking. We could do both 
.
Viva Obama!
Thanks for your support. I’ll keep you updated.