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’s purchase of the Tower Theater. It is the best action to encourage future growth of the local economy, preserve a historic treasure and recognize the value in our local arts.
The City is in no position to make this purchase nor lend money to Sequoia to buy their portion. This is not City business and although I would rather see the Theater stay as is, it's a free market transaction and this is a slippery slope. Imagine if the council swings far right someday, this could go in the opposite direction.
The City is in no position to make this purchase nor lend money to Sequoia to buy their portion. This is not City business and although I would rather see the Theater stay as is, it's a free market transaction and this is a slippery slope. Imagine if the council swings far right someday, this could go in the opposite direction.
I strongly oppose. The owner should have the full right to sell to whom ever they wish and it is very disappointing to see millions being spent here when there are CLEARLY many other priorities in our city. Why aren’t those needs fought for this hard? The church in no way has expressed they would alter the historic value of this place. So what’s the real motive here? What a waste if council representation and OUR TAX MONEY. I don’t feel heard or represented…. What a shame.
As a resident of District 1, I strongly oppose the interference of a private sale and misuse of taxpayer money. There are serious problems of homelessness and crimes in this area every single day! That would be a better use of the City’s time and money. The City should support Adventure Church who is going to make our area and community better!
As a long-time resident of the Tower District, I fully support the proposal for the city to purchase the Tower Theater. It is a cultural treasure and the current ongoing saga shows it needs to be in better hands. The present occupant has shown a profound disrespect for the surrounding neighborhood and there's every indication that things would only get worse if they are allowed to go through with their shady purchase. Please vote to approve this resolution and help preserve the wonderful and unique character of this neighborhood.
I have been a Fresno citizen my entire life and grew up regularly attending church/identify as a Christian and strong believer. I fully support the city buying this theater, however, and urge people to remember that Tower District has a whole community and life to it that is one of the BEST parts of Fresno. If we want to improve our city, we need to start with the arts and activities that will bring people together. I encourage the people who have the authority to make these decisions to think about what Fresno our children will know if we do not save the Tower Theater. Thank you.
As a long-time resident of Fresno, I support the Tower Theater being purchased by the City of Fresno and continuing to be a historic venue for arts and culture in Fresno. Allowing a church to purchase this building, to rezone it would destroy the central heartbeat of art and culture in Fresno. Tower Theater has long been a literal beacon of the thriving arts center of Fresno.
Please do the right thing, city of Fresno, no enforcing and upholding your zoning laws. Tower District residents, artists, patrons, and supporters doo not wish to have a hateful, hostile organization located at it's heart. Adventure Church has done nothing to encourage residents, patrons, or supporters collaboration or seek out other positive solutions. Adventure Church further promoted hate and a hostile environment by aligning with an extremist group and repeatedly using inappropriate language when referring to Tower District and it's residence. There are many other vacant buildings this organization can obtain and settle. Their repeated actions have made it abundantly clear they have no desire to integrate into an already vibrant and thriving community.
I am a frequent patron and performer in the Tower District in Fresno. Tower Theater is the heart of that district. Please aquire and save this treasure and keep it true to it's history and the open, inclusive nature of the Tower arts community. It is a Valley historic treasure and deserves to be treated as such.
Over a year's worth of weekly protests should show you how strongly the community suppprts keeping the integrity of the Tower as the heart of our Valley's best entertainment district.
Strongly oppose the interference of the City. The incompetent self-important bureaucracy called the City Council needs to find a different project to waste millions of tax payer dollars on.
Having lived in both the tower area and west Fresno, I strongly oppose wasting tax payer money on a theater instead of improving the already neglected roads and parks of our city. This is a gross misappropriation of funds.
I strongly oppose the pointless interference by the city of the a private purchase. For a minute, forget about what a waste of money it would be to all taxpayers. The main point is that Adventure is bringing light and freedom into a hurting world, come inside, you’re invited!
OPPOSE! What a misuse of taxpayer money.
I support the City of Fresno’s purchase of the Tower Theater. It is the best action to encourage future growth of the local economy, preserve a historic treasure and recognize the value in our local arts.
The City is in no position to make this purchase nor lend money to Sequoia to buy their portion. This is not City business and although I would rather see the Theater stay as is, it's a free market transaction and this is a slippery slope. Imagine if the council swings far right someday, this could go in the opposite direction.
The City is in no position to make this purchase nor lend money to Sequoia to buy their portion. This is not City business and although I would rather see the Theater stay as is, it's a free market transaction and this is a slippery slope. Imagine if the council swings far right someday, this could go in the opposite direction.
I have been a resident of the Tower District for three years now and fully support the proposal for the city to purchase the Tower Theater.
I strongly oppose. The owner should have the full right to sell to whom ever they wish and it is very disappointing to see millions being spent here when there are CLEARLY many other priorities in our city. Why aren’t those needs fought for this hard? The church in no way has expressed they would alter the historic value of this place. So what’s the real motive here? What a waste if council representation and OUR TAX MONEY. I don’t feel heard or represented…. What a shame.
As a resident of District 1, I strongly oppose the interference of a private sale and misuse of taxpayer money. There are serious problems of homelessness and crimes in this area every single day! That would be a better use of the City’s time and money. The City should support Adventure Church who is going to make our area and community better!
As a long-time resident of the Tower District, I fully support the proposal for the city to purchase the Tower Theater. It is a cultural treasure and the current ongoing saga shows it needs to be in better hands. The present occupant has shown a profound disrespect for the surrounding neighborhood and there's every indication that things would only get worse if they are allowed to go through with their shady purchase. Please vote to approve this resolution and help preserve the wonderful and unique character of this neighborhood.
I have been a Fresno citizen my entire life and grew up regularly attending church/identify as a Christian and strong believer. I fully support the city buying this theater, however, and urge people to remember that Tower District has a whole community and life to it that is one of the BEST parts of Fresno. If we want to improve our city, we need to start with the arts and activities that will bring people together. I encourage the people who have the authority to make these decisions to think about what Fresno our children will know if we do not save the Tower Theater. Thank you.
As a long-time resident of Fresno, I support the Tower Theater being purchased by the City of Fresno and continuing to be a historic venue for arts and culture in Fresno. Allowing a church to purchase this building, to rezone it would destroy the central heartbeat of art and culture in Fresno. Tower Theater has long been a literal beacon of the thriving arts center of Fresno.
I strongly oppose. Misusing peoples tax money to satisfy personal greed and pride is 100% wrong.
I fully support the city of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theater.
Please do the right thing, city of Fresno, no enforcing and upholding your zoning laws. Tower District residents, artists, patrons, and supporters doo not wish to have a hateful, hostile organization located at it's heart. Adventure Church has done nothing to encourage residents, patrons, or supporters collaboration or seek out other positive solutions. Adventure Church further promoted hate and a hostile environment by aligning with an extremist group and repeatedly using inappropriate language when referring to Tower District and it's residence. There are many other vacant buildings this organization can obtain and settle. Their repeated actions have made it abundantly clear they have no desire to integrate into an already vibrant and thriving community.
Let Adventure Church Purchase Tower theater
I am a frequent patron and performer in the Tower District in Fresno. Tower Theater is the heart of that district. Please aquire and save this treasure and keep it true to it's history and the open, inclusive nature of the Tower arts community. It is a Valley historic treasure and deserves to be treated as such.
Over a year's worth of weekly protests should show you how strongly the community suppprts keeping the integrity of the Tower as the heart of our Valley's best entertainment district.
Strongly oppose the interference of the City. The incompetent self-important bureaucracy called the City Council needs to find a different project to waste millions of tax payer dollars on.
I strongly oppose the city’s attempt to purchase the Tower Theater.
Having lived in both the tower area and west Fresno, I strongly oppose wasting tax payer money on a theater instead of improving the already neglected roads and parks of our city. This is a gross misappropriation of funds.
I strongly oppose the pointless interference by the city of the a private purchase. For a minute, forget about what a waste of money it would be to all taxpayers. The main point is that Adventure is bringing light and freedom into a hurting world, come inside, you’re invited!
I’m for any ownership that is non-religious. I sincerely hope Adventure Church can find a permanent home, just not here.