Officials to vote on possible food kiosk for San Francisco's Coit Tower

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Coit Tower is one of the most recognizable buildings around and now a food kiosk may be added to the parking lot.

After months of negotiations and some neighborhood opposition, tourists may be able to get a bite to eat.

Coit Tower is one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions. Half a million visitors go there each year to look at the Depression Era murals and for the breath taking views at the top. They can buy souvenirs in the gift shop, but nothing to eat or drink.

Now, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department wants to install a food kiosk in the parking lot and San Francisco District Supervisor Aaron Peskin supports it. "As long as it's removable, we're going to give it a shot, and see if it works and help the concessionaire make ends meet and provides an amenity to the public," he said.

Some critics said that a proposition passed by voters in 2012 strictly limits commercial activities.

Peskin said that only applies to the interior of the tower. Still, descendants of Lillie Hitchcock Coit are opposed sending the supervisors a letter saying in part: "We believe it is very important to remain vigilant and ensure that Coit Tower is well preserved for future generations."

However, no one came to city hall to speak against the proposal at Monday's hearing, and one neighborhood activist testified in support. "It's a temporary structure. There's no permanency to it whatsoever. It's totally dependent on its success," neighborhood activist Ken Maley said.

The full board will vote next week and if approved a refreshment stand could be in place later this summer.