like Kate Favetti, it is not just something “other.” The Ingleside/Excelsior and surrounding areas are a neighborhood, a community.
As president of The Westwood Park Association, Favetti recognizes that while the area is in need of revitalization, part of that is honoring its history. Yet as she clarified, “it is important to have a healthy respect for the past, such as the varied architecture. But with that nod to the past, she said, we must also be looking towards the future.”
The main artery for the area is Ocean Ave. And, that is where Richard Kurylo of the Office of Economic and Work Force Development for the City has focused his efforts.
“One of the most challenging goals has been gaining consensus on the importance of historic preservation,” he said. “The Ingleside community gets it,” Kurylo noted. The Ocean Avenue Association approved an Ocean Avenue Historic Resource Guide in April 2014.”
“Every neighborhood needs a mixture of new and old buildings in order to allow for a variety of uses, income levels and ideas,” he said. The enterprises that can afford to locate in new buildings are generally limited to those that can support the high costs of new construction, like formula retail. “On the other hand, he added, businesses like neighborhood bars, locally-owned restaurants, stores for musical instruments and art supplies, second-hand shops, art studios, galleries and ordinary mom-and-pop enterprises go into old buildings.”
One way to achieve this goal is to establish a community benefit district as an arts, culture and entertainment district. Dan Weaver of the Ocean Avenue Association is in favor. “Rick’s proposal is a good one that can help us focus our energy on business attraction, fundraising and event planning.”
Kurylo noted that the idea would not change zoning or planning, but that to establish such, would give The Ingleside a unique identity and provide an exciting focus for business recruitment.”
Favetti agreed; as do Weaver and others. An arts culture and entertainment district designation would include the protection, preservation and reuse of historic resources. But as Kurylo pointed out, “getting support continues to be a challenge. While national, state and local historic registers are standards for historic preservation, a neighborhood register functioning as general guidance for preservation is a unique approach that hasn’t yet gained universal acceptance.”
Weaver understands as he pointed out that locally, support for the idea does face a major obstacle. “The Department of City Planning seems to have a much narrower understanding of what historic resources we have on Ocean Avenue. Plus, said Weaver they still have not told us what they think the resources are, or how these resources can be protected.” Weaver expressed concern. “There are no more vacant lots in the retail corridor.”
“We are concerned that developers will be aiming to tear down old buildings and build anew. That is happening now at the 1601 Ocean Avenue project, he said, where four parcels with four old buildings are scheduled for demolition.” As a result, eight of Ocean Avenue’s small businesses will be eliminated. “That is more than 10 percent of the total retail district businesses,” Weaver added.
Still, continued strengthening of The Ocean Avenue Community Benefit District for The Ingleside and then for Excelsior is a step in a good direction. The concept of community benefit districts has been implemented in other parts of the City as well as in other places like Oakland and San Leandro.
CBDs are definitely a rallying point for a neighborhood. And, they help the community; both residents and merchants recognize their inherent resources. A sense of history can be one of those resources because it can strengthen community by helping to define an identity. The Ingleside/Excelsior area has roots that extend over 100 years. And, for today’s contemporary trends of transient-movement that can be significant.
For Kurylo the use of arts, culture and entertainment is a natural way to build and revitalize the area. “I am most proud of Second Sundays, said Kurylo. This idea was proposed by The Ingleside Light Newspaper editor Alexander Mullaney. Kurylo is proud, “specifically because this new event was envisioned and implemented by the community.” It’s a brilliant concept, he said. The event attracts people to the neighborhood on a typically-slow business day, allows streets to remain open, encourages active participation by business owners and opens up a world of possibilities for the inclusion of arts and entertainment.”
Kurylo noted that the OEWD provided an “Invest in Neighborhoods” grant of $15,000 to support the event. “The funds pay for music or art exhibit programmers, Limited Live Performance permits, stipends for musicians or artists and promotional and marketing activities. We are confident that Second Sundays has the potential to grow into something big,” he said.
Favetti considers the use of arts and culture as very edifying. The upcoming “Arts Alive” is something she applauds and hopes will become a hallmark for the neighborhood. Artists will paint original works. 74 lamp posts will have banners that will display some of the work, which will then later be sold at auction when event is over. Some of the banners will be selected and installed as a permanent fixture. Details are being worked out.
It will be a complex endeavor, requiring cooperation at many levels. Yet Favetti has faith all will work out fine. “Rick has uplifted our community, especially with his ideas and efforts at community building.” She also mentioned that his ‘can-do-attitude’ has gained the respect of those reluctant. She believes it is Rick’s dedication to high standards and his eagerness to show respect to all while working to engage the entire community is what has made him an integral part of the community.
Kurylo likes working with the Ingleside/Excelsior community. I love that when I attend a meeting or event in Ingleside, the community makes me feel like I am part of their family, he said. Even though I am a City employee.”
Favetti was pleased to hear him say that. And Weaver was too as he said, “that’s good! We appreciate Rick’s passion and enthusiasm to make Ocean Avenue a more successful retail district.”
Meanwhile, Kurylo and community organizers are eager to move forward with the Arts Alive Ingleside project. “It is a complex project, he said, so organizers are taking it one step at a time. It’s important to do it right.” The organizers are Independent Arts & Media, Maria Picar of the (OMI Cultural Participation Project), and Ocean Avenue Association are presently seeking sponsors who will have their business name or organization name included on the original banners, permanent banners, auction guide and website. Sponsorships are $200 for one lamppost, $1,500 for 10 lampposts or $2,000 for 20 lampposts. Interested sponsors can contact Richard Kurylo at (415) 554-6680.
