Submitted by Danielle Brazell on March 19, 2009 - 2:33pm.
On March 27th, the Exposition Construction Authority and MTA might consider razing Bergamot Station in order to house a maintenance facility for their cars when light rail comes to the West Side.
The Exposition Rail Line will bring much needed light rail from Culver City to Santa Monica.
While we are in favor of the completion of Phase 2 of the Exposition
Rail Line, it is imperative that both the Exposition Construction
Authority, the MTA and the City of Santa Monica understand how
important Bergamot Station is to the cultural life of Los Angeles.
Take Action by sending a message by March 25th to the Exposition Construction Authority Planning Committee that the Expo Rail should not be placed at, Bergamont Station, or the surrounding vicinity.
Save Bergamot
Thank you for sending in letters and spreading the word to help protect Bergamot Station.
This mobilization has been incredible and full of impact. If anyone were to consider Bergamot Station to be a possible site for a Light Rail maintenance yard, they will think twice thanks to your support.
Many of you have received a reply from our County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavky and I would like to try to clarify any confusion and alleviate any feelings that there might have been a miscommunication. I believe he is responding with a message of reassurance. What we have done is not an antagonistic action.
We are taking part in the public comment process by politely saying, in essence, "don't even think about it" when it comes to Bergamot. Mr. Yaroslavsky is a terrific advocate for the arts and this is in no way a movement of disrespect toward anyone by writing these letters. We are voicing our concern in a "pre-crisis" period.
In fact, if you have the time, you can simply write back to Mr. Yaroslavsky thanking him for his information and his reassurance that the MTA will do the right thing.
Bergamot is on the table and it has been reported in the press (see links) and through our sources here in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Article in today’s LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bergamot26-2009mar26,0,4801370.s... Article in the Santa Monica Daily Press: http://www.smdp.com/Articles-c-2009-03-09-50584.113116_From_one_destiny_...
Indeed, the draft of the Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) does not state anything regarding Bergamot to be turned into a maintenance yard. Currently, the draft report proposes to place the facility in a site nearby (aka the Verizon site). That site is now being reconsidered because of its close proximity to residents so Bergamot Station is back in the conversation as a possibility. Hence, we are strongly suggesting that they consider other options early in the game.
I’ve learned a lot in this process and hopefully you have, too! Thanks, again.
Asuka
ps: Please consider joining our Facebook group: Save Bergamot Station Arts Center. As of today, over 500 strong!