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December 25, 2006
A DOWNTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER?
I hear members of the City Council, many of our residents and taxpayers say that “what the DOWNTOWN really needs is an outstanding facility for a Performing Arts Center.�
Well, now the City Council has an opportunity to exercise its “long-term vision of DOWNTOWN� by purchasing the perfectly located Senator Theater, on Main Street just south of 5th Street. It is a project that can be financed, at least partially, from Redevelopment Tax Increment Funds. DOWNTOWN is one of the original Project Areas where Redevelopment Funds can be used to assist in rehabilitation and enhancement of the DOWTOWN AREA.
The Senator Theater is ideally located and has an adjacent vacant lot where a multistory parking structure can be constructed since adequate parking will be essential to the success of a Performing Arts Center.
Anyone who remembers the beautiful Art Deco interior of the theater will appreciate the historical significance. It should be rehabilitated to its original design and eventually become a centerpiece for DOWNTOWN as well an attraction to assist and serve the residential, retail, restaurant and business offices.
In addition, a Performing Arts Center should be attractive for private donations and other community support.
City Council, let’s not say that it can’t be properly financed. EXERCISE YOUR LONG TERM VISION, NOW!
Posted by Fred at 01:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
December 17, 2006
LET'S QUIT "CRYING OVER SPILT MILK"--THE DOWNTOWN PLAZA
Although some of us living in Chico were not particularly happy about the destruction of the tree lined Downtown Plaza, the new 4 million plus REMAKE is here so let’s get used to it and use it for the betterment of the Downtown Area and the Chico Community.
I know there are a great number of events planned for the Downtown Plaza, but I can’t think of any weekly event that will benefit more than the relocation of the Saturday Farmers Market to the new Plaza. It will be centrally located and visible by thousands from Main and Broadway Streets. In addition, there is ample parking, on Saturdays, in the surrounding area.
The relocation to the Downtown Plaza will assist a number of businesses since adjacent parking is now used by individuals shopping or attending the Saturday Farmers Market rather than being available for adjacent businesses.
By the way, I still don’t understand what happened to all of our local Environmental and Sustainability Experts while the REMAKE was being considered by the Park Commission and City Council. I can’t think of a single item in the REMAKE that would meet the criteria so often proposed by these groups—minimum hard surfaces, tree canopies etc. etc.
Posted by Fred at 10:00 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack