Wide-ranging views of forest ringing Coit Tower parking lot

[yuiyoshida]

The $1.7 million, seven-month restoration of Coit Tower did a lot for the building, but little for the once-breathtaking view from the parking lot - which remains largely an eyeful of overgrown trees.

And, thanks to the usual combination of environmental and neighborhood concerns - coupled with a lack of money, even in these boom times - there is little if anything to be done about it.

"Hey, it's San Francisco," says Sarah Ballard, spokeswoman for the city Recreation and Park Department, which runs the iconic tourist attraction.

For years, tourists could stand on the barrier that circles the tower and take in a view that extended from bridge to bridge. Over time, however, the surrounding cypress and Monterey pine trees got the upper hand.

"It's great, but it would be greater if the trees were not there," said German tourist Lars Helmke, staring at branches swaying in the breeze.

http://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/Wide-ranging-views-of-forest-ringing-Coit-Tower-5503130.php?cmpid=twitter-premium&t=9b54191bce00af33be#/7

[alittlelark]

1. Sorry, I stand w/the trees on this one.

A good arborist could make some thinning decisions... but no way should they cut down the trees for the sake of the tourists 'views'.

[thucythucy]

2. I agree.

[LeftyMom]

3. Monterey Pine isn't native to San Francisco.

No idea what the story is with the cypress but the pine isn't local. It belongs farther south, like the name suggests.