October 12, 2009

Letters Editor
The San Diego Union-Tribune
P.O. Box 120191
San Diego, CA 92112-0191

RE: Request for Public Vote of City Hall’s Capital Improvement

Dear Editor:

In view of City Council’s recent decision to move forward with the development of the new $432 million
City Hall, I request further deliberation in the interests of the City’s organizations and businesses that will
directly be affected by this momentous project.

The Downtown YMCA of San Diego County has resided in the basement of the Armed Services YMCA
building since 1985. Within almost 15 years of its 127-year history, the branch is the second-largest YMCA
in the nation, serving approximately 300,000 men, women and children.

Our building is approximately one-half of a mile away from the proposed site of reconstruction. Although it
is apparent that financial benefit will come of this renovation, its beneficiaries will not reap the rewards
from its establishment until after some years. The plans for expansion and temporary closures might
sacrifice the growth and maintenance of our branch.

Our service area includes Downtown, Golden Hill, Little Italy, Banker’s Hill, Hillcrest and Coronado.
About 44 percent of our membership is retained by mid-age professionals working within the service area,
from businesses of close proximity to the building.

With the capital improvement projects of the City, our estimated $1.5 million new facility development or
much-needed expansion, as well as the memberships generating our revenue, will be affected.

Before proceeding with exclusive negotiations with the Portland developer, considering the public vote
alongside the opinions of environmental and financial experts is advised. There are many small businesses
that may be greatly affected by this investment. I recommend further deliberation for a public vote on the
project’s full course of action and the financial disclosures of its strategic plan.

--
Dan Duncan
Executive Director, Downtown YMCA of San Diego County
500 W. Broadway, Suite B
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-7451 ext. 110
http://downtown.ymca.org