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 strongly support the City buying the Tower Theatre. The Tower District is an essential economic asset for the City of Fresno, and it is in the interests of all Fresnans that the Tower District remain a vibrant entertainment and nightlife district. Tower District live music venues, other live entertainment, nightclubs, restaurants and bars are a premier tourist attraction that draws audiences from throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Studies have shown that every dollar spent on live entertainment generates $12 of economic activity in the surrounding community. It is vital for Fresno to maintain the Tower Theatre as a historic landmark and live entertainment venue that is open to the entire community and maintain the existing zoning of the Tower District that supports live music venues, nightclubs, restaurants and bars. City ownership of the Tower Theatre is a forward-looking plan that will preserve one of Fresno's best tourist destinations and economic assets. I applaud City leadership for making this solution possible and urge the City Council to vote yes for City acquisition of the Tower Theatre.
Hello, my name is Salvador Solorio-Ruiz I am an alumni of Fresno State and a Councilmember for the City of Delano. I am submitting a comment to support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theater because I know how much it means to the community of Fresno. As leaders we must prioritize safe and inclusive spaces where all folks are welcomed-that is the tower theatre. I urge you to support the purchase and to prioritize the wants and needs of your community.
Good morning! I'm in full support of the City of Fresno's effort to purchase the Historic Tower theater, and to allow Sequoia brewery to exercise their rights in this matter. The Tower district is a unique jewel in our community,of which many businesses contribute greatly in tax revenues. Not to mention a centre of relaxation in the form of entertainment, ie food,music, plays and theater. Many thanks to all those who made their voices heard in this regard.
I support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theater because Tower is home to myself, friends, and family. It is more than just a place in Fresno, the Tower Theater is an essential piece of history that shouldn’t be used for the benefit of someone else’s agenda. The people of Tower love the theater and it brings the community together. We must keep our marginalized communities feeling seen, safe, and connected- only then will Fresno truly thrive.
Would be wonderful for tower theater to be protected and purchased by the city. The Comunity of Tower has asked for the city’s support for over a year now. Would be great to see this council start protecting and supporting the tower community. Very much in favor of this purchase.
Please save the place of community this is for the entire Fresno area. So many cultural experiences will be lost: including musicals for students, LQBTQIA+, Tower residents, and many others. Please honor what the community wants over what one church wants.
Fresno city purchasing the Tower Theater is a wonderful solution to this contentious situation. As a Fresno native, the Tower District has been a haven of creativity and culture for me since high school. I always dreamed of living there, and now I do. As a Tower resident and and a member of the LGBTQ community, I’d like to keep our greatest safe space thriving and without opposition from a supposedly “loving” group. Allowing Adventure Church to take over the neighborhood in this way would fundamentally change the character of my beloved neighborhood in a negative way (especially if a rezone was done, hurting many local businesses). This church does not preach lovingly and inclusively, instead relying on fearmongering and bullying to further their narrow minded agenda. This is fine for the people who choose to attend their church, but would be more appropriate in a different part of town. Tower Theater should be reserved for the arts and events that uplift our community! The city purchasing the theater is the best solution here. You have my full support!
I am in support of the City of Fresno acquiring the property known widely as The Tower Theater. This city and it's elected officials have a responsibility to uphold zoning laws which clearly hasn't been the case regarding Tower Theater. By acquiring this property the City will be able to continue hosting diverse events which support all factions of our community without infringing upon the licenses (e.g. alcohol) of nearby businesses.
I strongly support the City buying the Tower Theatre. The Tower District is an essential economic asset for the City of Fresno, and it is in the interests of all Fresnans that the Tower District remain a vibrant entertainment and nightlife district. Tower District live music venues, other live entertainment, nightclubs, restaurants and bars are a premier tourist attraction that draws audiences from throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Studies have shown that every dollar spent on live entertainment generates $12 of economic activity in the surrounding community. It is vital for Fresno to maintain the Tower Theatre as a historic landmark and live entertainment venue that is open to the entire community and maintain the existing zoning of the Tower District that supports live music venues, nightclubs, restaurants and bars. City ownership of the Tower Theatre is a forward-looking plan that will preserve one of Fresno's best tourist destinations and economic assets. I applaud City leadership for making this solution possible and urge the City Council to vote yes for City acquisition of the Tower Theatre.
Hello, my name is Salvador Solorio-Ruiz I am an alumni of Fresno State and a Councilmember for the City of Delano. I am submitting a comment to support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theater because I know how much it means to the community of Fresno. As leaders we must prioritize safe and inclusive spaces where all folks are welcomed-that is the tower theatre. I urge you to support the purchase and to prioritize the wants and needs of your community.
Fresno needs to step up and do the right thing. Preserve the Tower’s unique space and purchase the theater. I fully support the proposal.
Good morning! I'm in full support of the City of Fresno's effort to purchase the Historic Tower theater, and to allow Sequoia brewery to exercise their rights in this matter. The Tower district is a unique jewel in our community,of which many businesses contribute greatly in tax revenues. Not to mention a centre of relaxation in the form of entertainment, ie food,music, plays and theater. Many thanks to all those who made their voices heard in this regard.
I support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theater because Tower is home to myself, friends, and family. It is more than just a place in Fresno, the Tower Theater is an essential piece of history that shouldn’t be used for the benefit of someone else’s agenda. The people of Tower love the theater and it brings the community together. We must keep our marginalized communities feeling seen, safe, and connected- only then will Fresno truly thrive.
I strongly support the city’s purchase of the Tower Theatre to uphold the integrity and safety of our community.
Would be wonderful for tower theater to be protected and purchased by the city. The Comunity of Tower has asked for the city’s support for over a year now. Would be great to see this council start protecting and supporting the tower community. Very much in favor of this purchase.
I strongly support the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theater.
I fully support the city’s purchase of the Tower theater
I am in support the City purchasing the Tower Theater.
Please save the place of community this is for the entire Fresno area. So many cultural experiences will be lost: including musicals for students, LQBTQIA+, Tower residents, and many others. Please honor what the community wants over what one church wants.
Fresno city purchasing the Tower Theater is a wonderful solution to this contentious situation. As a Fresno native, the Tower District has been a haven of creativity and culture for me since high school. I always dreamed of living there, and now I do. As a Tower resident and and a member of the LGBTQ community, I’d like to keep our greatest safe space thriving and without opposition from a supposedly “loving” group. Allowing Adventure Church to take over the neighborhood in this way would fundamentally change the character of my beloved neighborhood in a negative way (especially if a rezone was done, hurting many local businesses). This church does not preach lovingly and inclusively, instead relying on fearmongering and bullying to further their narrow minded agenda. This is fine for the people who choose to attend their church, but would be more appropriate in a different part of town. Tower Theater should be reserved for the arts and events that uplift our community! The city purchasing the theater is the best solution here. You have my full support!
I support the city purchasing the theater.
I am in support of the City of Fresno acquiring the property known widely as The Tower Theater. This city and it's elected officials have a responsibility to uphold zoning laws which clearly hasn't been the case regarding Tower Theater. By acquiring this property the City will be able to continue hosting diverse events which support all factions of our community without infringing upon the licenses (e.g. alcohol) of nearby businesses.
I support the city purchasing the tower theatre
I am in support the City purchasing the Tower Theater.
I support this purchase.
I oppose the city wasting my taxpayer dollars to oust a church out of purchasing and preserving the theater with their own funds.
I support the sale to the city of Fresno
I support this action to preserve a cultural landmark.