November 27, 2004
Thomas M. Nichols, OFM
Associate Treasurer
Province of St.
Barbara
1500 34th Avenue
Oakland, CA
94601
Subject: Pending Sale
of St. Anthony’s Seminary, Santa Barbara
Dear Father Nichols,
In this time of Thanksgiving, we the neighbors to the
beautiful St. Anthony’s Seminary grounds, are grateful
to the Province of St.
Barbara for allowing us to use its grounds to
stroll, bike, jog, play, and walk our dogs.
You are probably aware that about 50 of the neighbors met at a home on Constance
Avenue to hear about future plans for the site,
presented by two representatives of the San Roque Trust. Their reluctance to commit to allowing continue use of the property by persons not actively
enrolled in their program was negatively received, especially in light of their
actions at the former San Roque Church School where walls now surround the
site. As owners, the Province could
resolve the neighborhood’s worries about the future use of the property by
stipulating that the public have had, and should continue to have access to
this remarkable site.
Recent experience with the corporation set up by the
Sperlings to manage San Roque School shows that their corporation proceeds without considering the ramifications of its
actions on the neighborhood. With the
Franciscans’ long-history of benefiting the Santa Barbara
community, we ask that you include a provision in the sale that assures
continued public enjoyment of the site.
Thank you for your consideration of our request.
Lisa and Scott Burns
2319 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA
93105