Plan to bring “Forever Marilyn” statue back to Palm Springs stirs debate

The first time the "Forever Marilyn" statue was set up in the downtown area in 2012, the statue proved to be a big draw for 26 months.

As a result, it also led to a spike in business for merchants in the area, according to the manager at ANDECOR on Palm Canyon Drive.

"It was a very good summer, the best summer we have had for Palm Springs," said Odell Cardenas.

During their last meeting, the Palm Springs City Council voted unanimously to bring the 26-foot statue back to the city.

The tourism industry group PS Resorts pushed for the city to make the move.

Aftab Dada is the group's Chairman, and the General Manager at the Palm Springs Hilton.

"For a fraction of a few dollars we spent in 2012, we garnered millions and millions of dollars in advertising and promotion," said Dada.

PS Resorts is moving forward with the plan to purchase the statute, either with an outright purchase with a price estimated at one million dollars.

Or they will consider a three year lease.

The money will come in part from hotel resort fees and transient occupancy taxes.

Some funding according to Dada will come from fundraisers.

While a number of people who spoke with News Channel 3 like the idea of Marilyn making a comeback, others think the statue of the cultural icon could send the wrong message during the "me too" era.

In a letter to the city council, Louis Grahos, the head of the Palm Springs Art Museum described the statue as "kitsch at best and in poor taste" when it comes to issues such as gender and identity.

"Yeah, it could offend a lot of people," said desert visitor Amy Laforteza.

The head of the homeless service organization Well in the Desert in Palm Springs doesn't oppose the aesthetic impact of the statue, but would rather see more financial assistance for those she serves.

"We need to let them know that they are important citizens, that they matter," said Arlene Rosenthal, President of Well in the Desert.

Dada insists spending on the statue will lead to significant tourism tax revenues for the city over time, helping the city pay for essential services.

"This will be another ideal time to jumpstart our tourism economy," said Dada.

Dada says the statue could be set up on Museum Way at Belardo sometime during the first quarter of next year.

News Channel 3 requested comment today from each member of the city council.

No one was available to respond to our request.