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.
The Tower Theatre is an important cultural landmark in our city. It has drawn many of us and has given the reality of belonging in a profound way. It has been an arts gem for Fresno and even before I lived in Fresno, I was drawn to the Tower via the arts, as an artist, and many of the events that drew me were held at the Theatre.
In January 2021, The current occupants stated that they won't change the cultural usage, but once it is sold, no one outside the ownership gets a say. An organization's or business' mission statement is, reasonably, priority; the historic cultural uses of the Tower Theatre is not the current occupant's primary mission and it has no obligation to maintain and promote it. As well, I have not seen proof that the occupant has and will respect and promote the unique identity and cultural offerings of the neighborhood.
The Tower Theatre functioning as a cultural center is important not only to the neighborhood, but also to the city and maintaining it benefits the city, in finances and identity, as well as the local community, businesses, and creators. Plus, In many senses, it belongs to the community already.
Bredefeld is wrong that supporters are a "small vocal minority." The support is broad and it is not persecution (and many supporters are Christians). It is focusing on ownership where the primary mission is Tower Theatre's cultural identity and usage.
I support the city’s purchase of the Tower Theatre. I am an artist and a proud resident of the Tower District. I love my neighborhood. I love my home. I love my favorite performance venues. We have such a supportive, welcoming community. Please help us keep that intact. Our neighborhood is worth the city’s investment.
I saw enough when the proud boys showed up as a counter protest! I want to feel safe in an area we, (my friends, family, fiancé and I,) have frequented for years.
I’m commenting in support of The City’s Ownership of Tower Theater in order to sustain it’s historical integrity and the character it brings to our community.
I support the freedom to practice the religion of your choice. What I don't support is allowing the ego of one man to determine what rules can and cannot be broken. I would hope that a church, that I imagine encourages decency and kindness, to be mindful of others rather than themselves. This whole thing is silly. Move somewhere where you're actually wanted. Tower has had plenty of churches WELCOMED because they did not hurt the businesses or the residents surrounding them. I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that the city buys Tower Theater. It may not be my neighborhood, but its been my, "home" for many years. I also hope that where ever this church moves that they are happy and can find it within themselves to show love; rather than just preach it.
As a Tower homeowner and supporter, I support the city’s purchase of our beloved Theatre. Please help us preserve our historic arts district. There are thousands of churches in the city, we don’t need another one in the center of our neighborhood (especially when said church doesn’t serve the needs of our neighbors).
I straight up support the city purchasing the Tower Theater...also please buy the Dollar Tree while you're at it as well and turn it into a bowling alley or anything else other than the Dollar Tree.
As a Tower resident for over 22 years, I support the City of Fresno buying this beautiful landmark. It should be preserved for different types of events. Adventure church HAS a location already and if there are looking for something bigger, there are options in downtown Fresno.
I Strongly oppose the City of Fresno buying The Tower Theater. We as a church congregation are just trying to help the community by opening and having a place, for people who need hope. We do not need council members getting involved in things that are of no concern to them. Adventure Church has always provided for The Theater since being in there. We need facts, not the lies that council members tell. We know what we stand for and in the end we know who has the victory. Praying for everyone here!
I support the city’s purchase of Tower Theatre as a historical landmark with hopes to preserve the beautiful culture in Tower District and it’s supporting communities.
I support the purchase of the Tower Theater by the City of Fresno. The culture and history of the Tower District in Fresno is represented by the beacon of the Tower Theater, which should be treated with consideration to historic preservation.
The Tower Theatre is an important cultural landmark in our city. It has drawn many of us and has given the reality of belonging in a profound way. It has been an arts gem for Fresno and even before I lived in Fresno, I was drawn to the Tower via the arts, as an artist, and many of the events that drew me were held at the Theatre.
In January 2021, The current occupants stated that they won't change the cultural usage, but once it is sold, no one outside the ownership gets a say. An organization's or business' mission statement is, reasonably, priority; the historic cultural uses of the Tower Theatre is not the current occupant's primary mission and it has no obligation to maintain and promote it. As well, I have not seen proof that the occupant has and will respect and promote the unique identity and cultural offerings of the neighborhood.
The Tower Theatre functioning as a cultural center is important not only to the neighborhood, but also to the city and maintaining it benefits the city, in finances and identity, as well as the local community, businesses, and creators. Plus, In many senses, it belongs to the community already.
Bredefeld is wrong that supporters are a "small vocal minority." The support is broad and it is not persecution (and many supporters are Christians). It is focusing on ownership where the primary mission is Tower Theatre's cultural identity and usage.
I support the city’s purchase of the Tower Theatre. I am an artist and a proud resident of the Tower District. I love my neighborhood. I love my home. I love my favorite performance venues. We have such a supportive, welcoming community. Please help us keep that intact. Our neighborhood is worth the city’s investment.
I support the city’s purchase of Tower Theatre.
Tax payers money can be used on things that matter!!
I saw enough when the proud boys showed up as a counter protest! I want to feel safe in an area we, (my friends, family, fiancé and I,) have frequented for years.
I’m commenting in support of The City’s Ownership of Tower Theater in order to sustain it’s historical integrity and the character it brings to our community.
I support the freedom to practice the religion of your choice. What I don't support is allowing the ego of one man to determine what rules can and cannot be broken. I would hope that a church, that I imagine encourages decency and kindness, to be mindful of others rather than themselves. This whole thing is silly. Move somewhere where you're actually wanted. Tower has had plenty of churches WELCOMED because they did not hurt the businesses or the residents surrounding them. I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that the city buys Tower Theater. It may not be my neighborhood, but its been my, "home" for many years. I also hope that where ever this church moves that they are happy and can find it within themselves to show love; rather than just preach it.
wasting 6millon on a theatre during a pandemic is ignorant.
I support the city's purchase of the Tower Theatre.
As a Tower homeowner and supporter, I support the city’s purchase of our beloved Theatre. Please help us preserve our historic arts district. There are thousands of churches in the city, we don’t need another one in the center of our neighborhood (especially when said church doesn’t serve the needs of our neighbors).
I straight up support the city purchasing the Tower Theater...also please buy the Dollar Tree while you're at it as well and turn it into a bowling alley or anything else other than the Dollar Tree.
As a Tower resident for over 22 years, I support the City of Fresno buying this beautiful landmark. It should be preserved for different types of events. Adventure church HAS a location already and if there are looking for something bigger, there are options in downtown Fresno.
I support the city of Fresno buying tower theater.
This is the best choice to keep a thriving economic center thriving.
I Strongly oppose the City of Fresno buying The Tower Theater. We as a church congregation are just trying to help the community by opening and having a place, for people who need hope. We do not need council members getting involved in things that are of no concern to them. Adventure Church has always provided for The Theater since being in there. We need facts, not the lies that council members tell. We know what we stand for and in the end we know who has the victory. Praying for everyone here!
I support the city purchasing the church.
As a resident of Tower I fully support the city’s purchase of Tower Theatre.
I support the city’s purchase of Tower Theatre as a historical landmark with hopes to preserve the beautiful culture in Tower District and it’s supporting communities.
I support the city's purchase of Tower Theater.
I support the purchase of the Tower Theater by the City of Fresno. The culture and history of the Tower District in Fresno is represented by the beacon of the Tower Theater, which should be treated with consideration to historic preservation.