Mr. Burg: I am dismayed to read your interpretation of the report as it seems that you have misunderstood many of the key elements almost to their opposite. While you are correct, the housing count (770/220) are units, not buildings or residents. It includes all of the residential units in the target area (JKL, 7th to 12th) so ‘yes’ on the Cortez and 800J, ‘no’ on the vacant Bel-vue, but ‘yes’ on Berry as there is every intent of having that remain a low-income residence. The 18,000 residents are within 1 mile radius of Downtown (9th & J). In regards to the 12% 'desirable enough to keep'. The measurement is not based on price point or even goods. It is based on basic elements like signage, store appearance, maintenance, merchandising, etc. the 12% are the high scoring stores, another 38% needed some improvement but would still be considered, to use your words, 'desirable enough to keep'. Midge McCauley has stated quite clearly that price point is not relevant in identifying viable retail. The measurement is simply based on quality. More to the point, the real alarm here is that out of 231 storefronts, approximately 10 are retail goods. Clearly the focus needs to be on increasing the number of options available to the consumer. As for the 'mall, just don't call it one' comment, the message to not focus on national chain stores could not have been more clear. If the suggestion is not to sell apparel, outdoor goods, shoes accessories, etc. What do you suggest should be sold? There are many different types of stores that sell 'apparel'. The differentiation here is not focusing solely on the ‘Gaps’, but to seek out local, regional and independent operators that have a quality business. Again, it comes back to quality and merchandising, not merchandise or price point. With such a small percent of current retail stores, there is no category that shouldn’t be considered. And finally, this is the first report that has actually stated that you don't need to blow up K Street and start over. It says… we have the market, we have the building inventory, we have the local talent… it wont take a big redevelopment to get started. How is that an ode to the 'skyscraper fairy'? I hope that this has clarified elements of the report for you and would be happy to discuss any items further. Danielle Biller, DSP

True. Like the two theaters, 500-room Sheraton Hotel and 200-unit housing project - all built by THIS development team (among several other office projects). I don't think Dale is the only one who is not looking for Midtown to be the region's destination for night time entertainment, but the main point is right on... things are difficult enough - let's move on and try being a little proactive for a change rather than defensive. If the 'opponents' put as much time and energy into their own business as they are in trying to stop competition, we'd all be better off.

Thanks Trapper for making Dale's point. Criticism for the sake of criticism. No vision, just name calling. Since when did SF become a negative connotation? Why is Dale automatically a shill? Could it be that he is right so you have no argument, just name-calling? Get your fact right, argue the points and grow up. Any one who signs this petition is unfortunately being mislead. (BTW the developer is from Sacramento)