HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/7/2020 Item 08, Ridley
Wilbanks, Megan
From:bryan ridley <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Council Agenda for July 7 | Item #8
Dear Mayor Harmon and City Councilmembers,
This correspondence serves as my support for the proposed removal of James Papp from the Cultural Heritage
Committee of San Luis Obispo. As a locally practicing architect, I have attended the CHC both as project representative
and as a member of the public on unrelated project matters.
In his position as Committee Chair Mr. Papp leads in a way that is best described as antagonistic, often dominating the
hearing, the applicants, and the other committee members with his own opinions. Mr. Papp’s expertise as an
architectural historian should not be wielded as a cudgel or to subjugate others with what he perceives to be less
experience or knowledge. Both are unfortunately common occurrences as well-reasoned project proposals are
eviscerated well beyond the CHC’s purview and committee members often appear unwilling to say their own piece.
Navigating the space between new development and historic context is undoubtedly a challenging endeavor, one that
requires negotiation and compromise between property owners, developers, municipal staff, advisory bodies, and the
public at large. Unfortunately, Mr. Papp’s involvement in this essential process has proven to be obstructive rather than
constructive.
Thank you for your efforts in considering this removal.
bryan ridley ARCHITECT
bracket architecture office
www.bracketarchitecture.com
NCARB | LEED AP
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