I moved to the Marina District seven years ago. I wanted to live in the City and be reasonably close to the Financial District where I work. The Marina District was uniquely attractive for many reasons, including its vibrancy and array of pleasurable activities. My wife and I thoroughly appreciate and enjoy such conveniences as walking to dozens of restaurants, watching the Blue Angels up close from our rooftop, strolling through a Marina Green or Fort Mason event, and riding our bikes to Fort Point while viewing a truly world-class panorama.

I have heard from a few Marina Community Association members and nonmembers that the MCA is perceived as the “No” group – a particularly NIMBY organization that is against any proposed event or project that would attract more visitors to our neighborhood, including the America’s Cup, the extension of a trolley line to Fort Mason, lodging at the Presidio, or nightclubs around Chestnut Street.

Understandably many, if not all, MCA officers and directors are surprised and offended by being labeled as a “No” or NIMBY-consumed group. The MCA leadership believe they exercise objectivity and appropriate due diligence in evaluating the impact of regional proposals and plans on the Marina District, and are relatively balanced in reaching recommendations to support or oppose new activities or projects.

The MCA officers and directors can respond to this criticism in many ways, but two options appear most relevant. On one hand, the Marina residents who perceive MCA as a group of naysayers can be dismissed as uninformed and out of touch with the real, worthwhile efforts of the MCA through its officers and directors. On the other hand, MCA leaders can presume that perception is reality. Then, the leadership can explore possible changes, if needed, to develop more balanced pro vs. con positions on behalf of Marina District residents and better communicate intentions when challenging various aspects of proposed neighborhood activities and plans.

In my opinion, the undesirable characterization of the MCA results more from communication shortfalls than a disproportionate degree of opposition for Marina District events and projects, although the scales now may not be truly in balance. The MCA believes that its mission is to improve and protect quality of life in the Marina District. To fulfill this objective, MCA officers and directors often challenge plans and proposals whether the MCA leadership is for or against the concept in principle. Largely, the evaluation process is the same but with different hoped-for outcomes. In the first instance, MCA leadership may offer challenges to the responsible entity to correct and strengthen its proposal and enhance the likelihood of success. On the other hand, MCA leadership may indict a proposal or plan to prove it should not come to fruition. The MCA communications challenge, and potential pitfall to which we have succumbed in some minds, is failing to first clearly state our position on the concept of a plan or proposal (and repeat it often) before addressing a number of real concerns about regulatory compliance, proof of need, and potential adverse consequences for our neighborhood. Instead, our communications often focus on critiquing the detailed, technical aspects of a proposal that we may even support in concept, which results in the perception of general opposition to the event or activity.

The America’s Cup is a good example of how the volume of words intended as constructive suggestions can lead to the perception that the MCA opposes holding the prestigious international event in or near the Marina. In fact, the upcoming America’s Cup is a fait accompli. If some people believe that the MCA opposes the America’s Cup in our backyard, then the officers and directors should accept responsibility for a communications failure. That is, we apparently have been remiss is not saying frequently and loudly such sentiments as follows: “We are proud and thrilled that the America’s Cup is coming to San Francisco. We are ecstatic that the Marina District will be showcased to the world through international media. We will expect and welcome visitors to our neighborhood for a pleasant event-viewing experience. To help ensure the success of the America’s Cup, the MCA wants to participate in event planning by offering comments and suggestions on a variety of matters, such as transportation plans, Marina Green viewing accommodations (e.g., bleacher seats), and the ability of residents to commute to and from their homes. We will be elated if the Marina District benefits post-event from, for example, an improved public transportation system.”

The MCA inherently may be saddled to some degree with a “just say no” image, which comes with being a neighborhood-based group. Regardless, we should be concerned when a negative image is adopted by some Marina residents. MCA officers and directors may strive to engender a more positive and less NIMBY image by actions such as better enumerating activities and plans we support; clearly communicating that challenges or critiques are not necessarily opposition to certain plans or programs; and avoiding or minimizing arguments that may seem petty or a stretch of credibility.

The Marina Community Association is a legally established, nonprofit community service and oversight entity open to all neighborhood residents. If you believe the MCA has developed an inappropriate image or has taken positions contrary to your wishes, then become involved and implement your desired changes.

Suggested degrees of involvement and commitment include the following:
• Join the organization to ensure you receive all communications about MCA activities, as well as proposed projects that may affect our neighborhood. Annual membership dues are only $25 per individual.
• Attend the MCA periodic, public meetings. Listen to outside speakers describe plans or address other issues (e.g., crime and safety) important to Marina District residents, and express your thoughts, concerns and opinions.
• Volunteer for an MCA committee, particularly one evaluating plans or proposals with important implications for our neighborhood. For example, you can help evaluate the various documents submitted in support of or in opposition to a plan, attend public hearings on the matter, and formulate MCA comments and response.
• If you have sufficient interest and time, nominate yourself to run for the MCA board of directors.

Everett P. Harry is the treasurer of the Marina Community Association. You are eligible to join MCA if you are over 18 and a resident or owner of a dwelling within the Marina. Visit www.sfmca.org for more information.