We’ve made great progress in the month since we posted the petition, and we’re just getting started. Please share the petition (http://chng.it/csZpNP7rpS and help spread the word.
Representatives of the proposed Center for Ocean Art, Science and Technology met with Congressman Jimmy Panetta via Zoom a few weeks ago to discuss taking the historic National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration building in Pacific Grove off a portfolio sale list of twelve sites nationally.
That has since been accomplished. However, the property is still slated to go for sale individually this summer. Because of California Coastal Commission regulations and restrictions, the property presents significantly reduced appeal to commercial developers as a single property.
This is positive news for COAST in its quest to create a multipurpose facility of ocean-inspired art, science and technology and to save the brilliant 32-panel Ray Troll mural that decorates the building.
Then last week, the Pacific Grove City Council with Mayor Peake passed a resolution in a 6-0 vote that supports “reuse of the NOAA building and encourages next steps for COAST".
In another important development, COAST met with Ohlone Native-American tribal leader and activist Louise Ramirez to discuss potential partnership with shared use of the NOAA property. The goal would be to fully renovate the building in service of the COAST mission while preserving the sensitive surrounding land under the auspices of Indigenous people and their archaeological past.
We will keep you updated with further developments as they occur. Thank you for supporting COAST!
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