1095 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94103
www.shapingsf.org/grant_bldg
grantbldg@yahoo.com
Dan O'Leary and Elaine Hui
Seligman Western Enterprises
600 Montgomery St., 40th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94111
November 28, 2000
Dear Dan O'Leary and Elaine Hui:
The Grant Building Tenants Association has learned of your intention to vacate the building by January 15, 2001. We understand that you will offer a small amount of relocation space to a few of the nonprofit organizations. We have not seen mention of any offer of monetary assistance or relocation space to the small businesses and independents who comprise the majority of the Grant Building tenants.
It is not our intention to interfere with your plans for the building, which include a seismic retrofit and renovations to attract wealthier tenants. However, we do not think that your "offer"--which amounts to displacement without compensation within less than two months (a period that also includes the holiday season)--constitutes even an approximation of an amicable and equitable solution.
We certainly do not think that Seligman Western Enterprises is operating within the spirit of Mayor Willie Brown's November 1 letter to you:
"You have chosen to do business in San Francisco because of its economic health and potential, and the unique character of this City. I ask that you assist us in maintaining that character by working in good faith with your existing tenants. . . . I am certain that you can work out mutually agreeable arrangements that allow some, if not all, to remain at reasonable rents for some period of time, or provide substantial assistance with relocation."
The GBTA Steering Committee would like to meet with you at your convenience to reopen our discussion. The tenants need (1) considerably more time, (2) sufficient relocation space at comparable rates, and (3) fair compensation for relocation expenses. In short, the tenants require an equitable solution for all, and the Steering Committee is committed to that goal.
We are ready to hear your proposals on how our needs can be met. We request that you rescind the January 15 date of vacation to show your intent to negotiate in good faith, and we remind you that building services, which have begun to deteriorate, must be maintained for the duration.
Please inform us in writing of your available times to meet.
Sincerely, for the Grant Building Tenants Association,
Manuel Alarcon (The Printout), James Brook (City Lights Books), Mary Brown (SF Bike Coalition), Chris Carlsson (Shaping San Francisco)
cc: Mayor Willie Brown, Board of Supervisors, San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Bay Guardian