Ian Filippini Discusses Revitalization Plans for Santa Barbara’s Natural History Museum

Count Ian Filippini among the many advocates for productive public discourse, as the Santa Barbara resident recently praised the community’s longstanding efforts to consistently encourage thoughtful discussion and debate regarding a wide range of issues. In a recent example of the endless array of benefits stemming from the public’s active involvement in public works, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is one step closer to beginning restoration and revitalization of its Mission Canyon site.

As Filippini pointed out, the revitalization and restoration plans were first brought to the public’s attention back in 2009, when representatives from the Museum of Natural History met with the Historic Landmarks Commission to discuss the proposed plans and how those plans might impact the community. In addition to some practical considerations that include ensuring the museum complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Museum of Natural History will also be widening parts of the site, replacing its butterfly pavilion, and restoring aspects of the native habitat.

During the seven years since the proposed changes were brought to the attention of the Historic Landmarks Commission, community members have been able to express concern regarding certain aspects of the proposal while also voicing support for other aspects. As a result of the lengthy discussions between the commission, the museum, and the public, a number of compromises have been achieved to ensure the museum understands how the local community could be affected by certain changes and acts in a manner demonstrating sensitivity to those concerns.

Now that the museum can go ahead with submitting its plans to the department of public works for final approval, it is clear that all of the involved parties have benefited from the many discussions that have taken place over the last seven years. In approving the plans and allowing the museum to submit the first phase of revitalization and restoration plans to public works, the commission took steps to ensure the public’s concerns regarding the environmental impact had been taken into consideration. These steps include the guaranteed protection of the sycamore and oak trees on the Mission Canyon site as well as the use of native, low-level plants, among a number of other considerations.

Throughout this process, Filippini notes, all parties have acted with civility and respect, which he believes is a reflection of the Santa Barbara community in general. With a longstanding tradition in which thoughtful discussion and debate has been repeatedly emphasized, it is no surprise that residents feel so invested and take such great pride in their community.