Newsom pens letter of intent
to preserve Japantown cultural heritage

From the Mayor's Office of Communications

February 14, 2006

Mr. Takenori Kakutani
Kintetsu Enterprises Company of America
1625 Post Street
San Francisco, California 94115

Dear Mr. Kakutani:

I am writing with regard to Kintetsu’s proposed sale of its Japantown properties in San Francisco. I recently met with members of the Japantown community who were concerned about the impact of the sale on the neighborhood’s future, and they have asked the City to intervene in any way possible to ensure the preservation of this important neighborhood.

The two malls and two hotels owned by Kintetsu make up a significant portion of the City’s Japantown, so we need to work together to ensure that the proposed sale will not adversely impact the neighborhood’s character.

Any future owner should be put on notice that the City will require the preservation of the cultural significance of Japantown. The importance of preserving San Francisco’s Japantown is even more significant given that only three Japantowns remain in the United States.

As the Japantown community gets ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary, the City is committed to using its resources to assist the new owners in revitalizing these properties and the entire neighborhood. In fact, at my urging, our Planning Department is moving forward on a comprehensive neighborhood plan for Japantown and surrounding areas. However, any assistance from the City will be predicated on a commitment to maintain and support the character of this most important cultural resource. I would request that prior to the closing of any sale, the City and concerned stakeholders are provided an opportunity to discuss these important issues with the future owners. I am also convening a City team, consisting of staff from my Office of Economic Development, the Planning Department, and the Redevelopment Agency, to work closely with you and any new owner to ensure Japantown’s success.

Kintetsu has been a responsible steward of its properties in the community, and we would hope that its commitment will be carried on by the future owners. My staff will contact you in the coming days to schedule a meeting to discuss these issues further.

Sincerely,
Gavin Newsom