1.-LL. ID 22-613 Actions Pertaining to the Acquisition of property at 1247 North Wishon (APN 451-265-02) and 777 East Olive Avenue (APN 451-265-03)
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines for the project.
2. Approve a Resolution Establishing a Policy for the Preservation and Use of the Tower Theatre Property and Authorizing Purchase of the Tower Theatre Property.
3. Approve a Joint Litigation, Defense, and Indemnity Agreement by and between the City of Fresno, the Tower Theatre Entities and Sequoia Brewery
4. Approve a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions by and between City of Fresno, Tower Theater Productions, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, and Tower Theatre Productions for the Performing Arts for real property at 1247 North Wishon (APN 451-265-02) and 777 East Olive Avenue (APN 451-265-03) for $6,500,000.
5. Approve a Purchase and Sale Agreement and Joint Escrow Instructions by and between City of Fresno and J&A Mash & Barrell, LLC., and Fidelity National Title Insurance Company for a portion of the real property at 777 East Olive Avenue (APN 451-265-03) for $1,200,000.
I support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theater to maintain it's cultural and historical significance to the Tower District, the surrounding community, and the city as a whole.
I am a Christian, I love God and I love the LGBTQ community, and the diversity that thrives in the Tower. The Tower theatre has provided a safe place for art and expression in the for our city. The purchase of it by the City will help continue preserving this very important place in our community.
The city of Fresno should absolutely purchase this treasured exquisite local landmark. On March 8, 2020, we had my father‘s non-religious memorial service at the tower theater, it was one of the very last public events held before the shut down. My parents were longtime members of the tower community and had their first date at the tower theater 30 years prior. They held many community events, helped paint out graffiti on the weekends, restored their stunning 1914 craftsman home, and over the years attended many events at the tower theater. Growing up as a girl that was considered different, within the tower community I found a colorful, welcoming bunch of people who loved and accepted me. After losing my father, that community continued to love and support me and I don’t know what I would’ve done during such a dark time without being able to go to Tower on the weekends & have coffee outdoors with friends. The passion for the saving the tower theater has been evident in the voices rallying around it. The negative presence that adventure church brought to the tower was immediately obvious, whether it was their treatment of the homeless, the LGBTQ+ community, harassment of individuals enjoying the walkability of tower, or even bringing in a far right terrorist group, the proud boys. The tower theater belongs to the tower, and the city of Fresno buying it would be one of the best things they can do to uplift this area.
As a resident, curator, creative, community volunteer, and professional, I set roots in the Tower District due to its long established reputation as a cultural and artistic haven. My property value and quality of life depends on the character of the neighborhood maintaining integrity. The Tower District Specific Plan (TDSP) and established zoning have existed for years to protect this. Over the past couple years, we have seen an entity not only blatantly disregard both the zoning, but city covid ordinances as well during their occupation of the building. Along with this we have seen noise nuisance, parking nuisance, white nationalist gang influx and harassment, and threat to the viability of residences and businesses. If the city does not acquire this property, the potential for further decline only increases. This is unfair to citizens who have invested in the area, not only financially, but culturally. City acquisition is the best option at this time to ensure the intended protections of the TDSP, protect the artistic character and well known LGBTQIA affirming reputation, which is a draw for both residency and tourism. City acquisition also allows potential public input on the use of a facility that so widely affects surrounding people and properties. City of Fresno, please do the right thing by not only your neighbors in Tower, but the entire city of Fresno. Be on the right side of Fresno history.
I fully support the city of Fresno buying the Tower Theater and preserving the Tower District as a safe place and welcoming place for all. I live across the street from the current Adventure Church site and they are the rudest and most inconsiderate neighbors I've ever had. They are a disgrace to the Tower District and we would be better off without them all together.
I am strongly opposed to the churches proposed acquisition of this beautiful historic theater. As a Fresno resident who has lived in The Tower District, it means a great deal to me to see it continue serving this community as an art and cultural haven! It's been a safe place to many in the community, including our LGBTQ neighbors. Disenfranchisement of those who have always sought solace in the welcoming atmosphere of our community theater is wrong! Don't allow this Church to inact a hostile take over! They could conduct their services elsewhere. Respect they neighbors as Christ would have wanted!
I fully support the city purchasing the Tower theatre. The behavior of adventure church has appalled and frightened me. Even filling this out, I am nervous about putting my full name down for fear of being doxed. Adventure church has been encouraging proud boy neo nazis to harass the tower district. I say this as a deeply religious person, no church should want or have neo nazis parading around as "security". Their aggression and disregard has hurt this landmark of the Fresno community. The city purchasing the tower theatre is the best solution.
I remember walking through the Tower Theater when I was 19. It was stunning to witness such beautiful history before my eyes and feel a sense of belonging, as I grew up in theater. It is vital that the city purchases the Tower Theater in Fresno's Tower District. It is a historical building with significant meaning to the community. Without this agreement, Tower has the potential to fall into hands that wish to eliminate the love and acceptance the Tower District has represented for years. While it may seem like just another sale to a government representative, it directly effects the citizens that live in Fresno. This acquisition will help keep a historical treasure alive, while showing the community they are valuable and accepted. Thank you for reading.
“Everyday we are given the choice to build a future that does not reproduce the violent asymmetries of the past.” - Tao Leigh Goffe
I support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theater to maintain it's cultural and historical significance to the Tower District, the surrounding community, and the city as a whole.
I support the city's purchase of the Tower Theater.
I am a Christian, I love God and I love the LGBTQ community, and the diversity that thrives in the Tower. The Tower theatre has provided a safe place for art and expression in the for our city. The purchase of it by the City will help continue preserving this very important place in our community.
The city of Fresno should absolutely purchase this treasured exquisite local landmark. On March 8, 2020, we had my father‘s non-religious memorial service at the tower theater, it was one of the very last public events held before the shut down. My parents were longtime members of the tower community and had their first date at the tower theater 30 years prior. They held many community events, helped paint out graffiti on the weekends, restored their stunning 1914 craftsman home, and over the years attended many events at the tower theater. Growing up as a girl that was considered different, within the tower community I found a colorful, welcoming bunch of people who loved and accepted me. After losing my father, that community continued to love and support me and I don’t know what I would’ve done during such a dark time without being able to go to Tower on the weekends & have coffee outdoors with friends. The passion for the saving the tower theater has been evident in the voices rallying around it. The negative presence that adventure church brought to the tower was immediately obvious, whether it was their treatment of the homeless, the LGBTQ+ community, harassment of individuals enjoying the walkability of tower, or even bringing in a far right terrorist group, the proud boys. The tower theater belongs to the tower, and the city of Fresno buying it would be one of the best things they can do to uplift this area.
I fully support the city purchasing the Tower Theater.
As a resident, curator, creative, community volunteer, and professional, I set roots in the Tower District due to its long established reputation as a cultural and artistic haven. My property value and quality of life depends on the character of the neighborhood maintaining integrity. The Tower District Specific Plan (TDSP) and established zoning have existed for years to protect this. Over the past couple years, we have seen an entity not only blatantly disregard both the zoning, but city covid ordinances as well during their occupation of the building. Along with this we have seen noise nuisance, parking nuisance, white nationalist gang influx and harassment, and threat to the viability of residences and businesses. If the city does not acquire this property, the potential for further decline only increases. This is unfair to citizens who have invested in the area, not only financially, but culturally. City acquisition is the best option at this time to ensure the intended protections of the TDSP, protect the artistic character and well known LGBTQIA affirming reputation, which is a draw for both residency and tourism. City acquisition also allows potential public input on the use of a facility that so widely affects surrounding people and properties. City of Fresno, please do the right thing by not only your neighbors in Tower, but the entire city of Fresno. Be on the right side of Fresno history.
I fully support the city of Fresno buying the Tower Theater and preserving the Tower District as a safe place and welcoming place for all. I live across the street from the current Adventure Church site and they are the rudest and most inconsiderate neighbors I've ever had. They are a disgrace to the Tower District and we would be better off without them all together.
I am strongly opposed to the churches proposed acquisition of this beautiful historic theater. As a Fresno resident who has lived in The Tower District, it means a great deal to me to see it continue serving this community as an art and cultural haven! It's been a safe place to many in the community, including our LGBTQ neighbors. Disenfranchisement of those who have always sought solace in the welcoming atmosphere of our community theater is wrong! Don't allow this Church to inact a hostile take over! They could conduct their services elsewhere. Respect they neighbors as Christ would have wanted!
I don’t support City officials spending the tax dollars for their own selfish gain.
I support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theatre.
I support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower theater
I fully support the city purchasing the Tower theatre. The behavior of adventure church has appalled and frightened me. Even filling this out, I am nervous about putting my full name down for fear of being doxed. Adventure church has been encouraging proud boy neo nazis to harass the tower district. I say this as a deeply religious person, no church should want or have neo nazis parading around as "security". Their aggression and disregard has hurt this landmark of the Fresno community. The city purchasing the tower theatre is the best solution.
Keep Tower alive and for the community!! I urge you.
I support the city's purchase of the Tower Theater.
I support the city of Fresno buying the Tower Theater!
I remember walking through the Tower Theater when I was 19. It was stunning to witness such beautiful history before my eyes and feel a sense of belonging, as I grew up in theater. It is vital that the city purchases the Tower Theater in Fresno's Tower District. It is a historical building with significant meaning to the community. Without this agreement, Tower has the potential to fall into hands that wish to eliminate the love and acceptance the Tower District has represented for years. While it may seem like just another sale to a government representative, it directly effects the citizens that live in Fresno. This acquisition will help keep a historical treasure alive, while showing the community they are valuable and accepted. Thank you for reading.
I support the city of Fresno buying Tower Theater.
I support city purchase of the tower theatre.
I strongly support the city purchasing the theatre.