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.
All people of faith are welcome in Fresno as we celebrate our diversity and unity as One Fresno. Adventure Church has a beautiful legacy of meeting at the Tower Theatre and should continue as the rightful faith community to purchase the Tower without the obstruction of city leaders and closed minded extremist activists. All should be welcome in Fresno. Why have city leaders and individuals campaigned against the actions of a faith community? Why is the city trying to negotiate business deals against a church? Stop persecuting the members of a local church, and let’s unite together at the Tower as the great community that we are and have been. May there be more faith in Fresno. More unity. More hope. More Christ’s love. Stop the hate.
I fully support the City's purchase of the tower theater. City ownership would ensure the preservation of the theater for communal enjoyment and allow the property fair access for all. It would also prevent a rezoning of tower district, a key tenet of the save the tower movement. It's a win-win solution for all parties involved.
Tower Theater is a landmark of the community that deserves to be rescued from the incompetent people who have made it associated with white supremacy groups & bigoted harassment. The blatant violation of zoning laws, breaking leasing contracts in closed-door agreements, hostile treatment & harassment of community members, & obvious mistreatment of a historical landmark status (like parking multiple vehicles on the 1939 Art Deco terrazzo flooring in front of the theater 4/9/22) should be cited as reasons to take ownership of the theater.
Save the Tower & Fools Collective have done an amazing job advocating for this landmark & Fresno city ownership is the first step to restoring it to its proper glory. Please note that community members support filing charges/fining Adventure Church AND current ownership for violating zoning laws for the entire span of time they have been in violation.
Adventure Church is great church i have lived in Tower district area for many years and have seen the difference they have made in the community from so, many types of backgrounds all we want is to love people and see the good we have to give to this LIFE
I strongly support the city purchasing and preserving the Tower Theater for the good will of the entire Tower District Community and beyond to the Fresno Community at large.
I support the City of Fresno’s purchase of the Tower Theatre. This historic landmark should be for the people by the people. It should not fall into the hands of individuals/groups that creates division and harm in our community. Tower residents have made their voice on issue very clear.
The Tower Theater represents the economic engine of the entire neighborhood. The economic development that has resulted over decades since the establishment of the Tower District Specific Plan has supported a vibrant community that's a destination for visitors far and wide. Unraveling the long standing zoning and planning efforts that have for so long protected the area has generated an existential fear for many stakeholders throughout the community. Preserve property values, support economic development, preserve the culturally identity of the Tower District.
I support the decision to purchase the Theater, and urge the city to immediately open an RFP processes to hire a professional and experienced theater management and promotional company that will run the theater within the guidelines of the Tower District Specific Plan, and harmoniously with the community.
I am in support of the city’s purchase of Tower Theatre as a historical landmark. It is necessary to preserve the Tower District’s culture as an arts and entertainment area. This would benefit not only the neighborhood but the entire city. It would also be a reasonable financial investment given the right management. Please honor the Tower District Specific Plan. Allowing an organization which blatantly disregards zoning laws, disrespects and disregards Tower District residents, business owners, and patrons, to claim Tower Theatre would be a disgrace and embarrassment for the city.
The City of Fresno has a responsibility to the Tower community to make this purchase using our tax dollars. It will preserve a historic landmark, and show investment in this district of Fresno.
As a Tower resident, I fully support the city of Fresno's proposed purchase of Tower Theatre.
All people of faith are welcome in Fresno as we celebrate our diversity and unity as One Fresno. Adventure Church has a beautiful legacy of meeting at the Tower Theatre and should continue as the rightful faith community to purchase the Tower without the obstruction of city leaders and closed minded extremist activists. All should be welcome in Fresno. Why have city leaders and individuals campaigned against the actions of a faith community? Why is the city trying to negotiate business deals against a church? Stop persecuting the members of a local church, and let’s unite together at the Tower as the great community that we are and have been. May there be more faith in Fresno. More unity. More hope. More Christ’s love. Stop the hate.
I fully support the City's purchase of the tower theater. City ownership would ensure the preservation of the theater for communal enjoyment and allow the property fair access for all. It would also prevent a rezoning of tower district, a key tenet of the save the tower movement. It's a win-win solution for all parties involved.
Preserve the Tower Theater to be a city landmark. A public space where everyone can feel welcome.
I support the City purchasing the Tower Theater.
Tower Theater is a landmark of the community that deserves to be rescued from the incompetent people who have made it associated with white supremacy groups & bigoted harassment. The blatant violation of zoning laws, breaking leasing contracts in closed-door agreements, hostile treatment & harassment of community members, & obvious mistreatment of a historical landmark status (like parking multiple vehicles on the 1939 Art Deco terrazzo flooring in front of the theater 4/9/22) should be cited as reasons to take ownership of the theater.
Save the Tower & Fools Collective have done an amazing job advocating for this landmark & Fresno city ownership is the first step to restoring it to its proper glory. Please note that community members support filing charges/fining Adventure Church AND current ownership for violating zoning laws for the entire span of time they have been in violation.
I support the city of Fresno's proposed purchase of Tower Theatre.
Adventure Church is great church i have lived in Tower district area for many years and have seen the difference they have made in the community from so, many types of backgrounds all we want is to love people and see the good we have to give to this LIFE
I strongly support the city purchasing and preserving the Tower Theater for the good will of the entire Tower District Community and beyond to the Fresno Community at large.
Tower Theatre is a local historic landmark, the city purchasing the theater would let it become a public space, truly belonging to the community
I support the purchase
I support the purchase of the Tower Theatre by the city.
I support the city’s purchase of Tower Theatre.
This is what it's all lead to. Preserve the Tower Theatre!
I would be happy to see my tax dollars going toward preserving one of Fresno’s most beautiful gems! Please invest in preserving Fresno’s history!
I support the City of Fresno’s purchase of the Tower Theatre. This historic landmark should be for the people by the people. It should not fall into the hands of individuals/groups that creates division and harm in our community. Tower residents have made their voice on issue very clear.
The Tower Theater represents the economic engine of the entire neighborhood. The economic development that has resulted over decades since the establishment of the Tower District Specific Plan has supported a vibrant community that's a destination for visitors far and wide. Unraveling the long standing zoning and planning efforts that have for so long protected the area has generated an existential fear for many stakeholders throughout the community. Preserve property values, support economic development, preserve the culturally identity of the Tower District.
I support the decision to purchase the Theater, and urge the city to immediately open an RFP processes to hire a professional and experienced theater management and promotional company that will run the theater within the guidelines of the Tower District Specific Plan, and harmoniously with the community.
I am in support of the city’s purchase of Tower Theatre as a historical landmark. It is necessary to preserve the Tower District’s culture as an arts and entertainment area. This would benefit not only the neighborhood but the entire city. It would also be a reasonable financial investment given the right management. Please honor the Tower District Specific Plan. Allowing an organization which blatantly disregards zoning laws, disrespects and disregards Tower District residents, business owners, and patrons, to claim Tower Theatre would be a disgrace and embarrassment for the city.
The Tower Theatre belongs to the people! Use our tax dollars to preserve the theatre.
The City of Fresno has a responsibility to the Tower community to make this purchase using our tax dollars. It will preserve a historic landmark, and show investment in this district of Fresno.