Advocates press Commission to require Rec & Park report on Sky Star observation wheel

Catherine Howard of San Franciscans for Urban Nature spoke during general public comment and asked the Historic Preservation Commission to direct the Recreation & Park Department to prepare and present the report the Commission conditioned on a prior extension for the Sky Star observation wheel in Golden Gate Park's Music Concourse. Howard said the Commission had approved a four-year extension but required Rec & Park to report within 12 months; "It has been over 12 months, and to our knowledge, no public report has been presented to your commission by the Rec and Park Department," she said.

Howard listed concerns she said remained unresolved: air pollution and noise from a diesel-powered generator used to run the wheel, bright white lighting that affects the historic feeling of the concourse and continuous loud music near the ticket window. The speaker asked the Commission to require Rec & Park to submit data showing whether local businesses actually gained customers because of the wheel and to have a Rec & Park representative appear before the Commission to present progress on mitigation measures.

A Commission moderator later responded that the report and informational presentation are scheduled for the Commission's May 4 hearing. No formal action on the Sky Star observation wheel was taken during this meeting.