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 am in strong support of the City acquiring this property to 1) preserve a beautiful historic landmark for all of Fresno and the Tower District specifically; 2) ensure that the Tower Theatre remains a place open to the use and benefit of all Fresnans and other visitors; and 3) ensure the voices of Tower residents are heard and the character of this unique area is protected.
I strongly support the city of Fresno to buy the tower theatre. Iam completely against the church buying the theatre. Adventure church is discriminatory to our community, and I moved here four years ago to get away from discrimination.
I strongly support this decision for the city of Fresno to purchase the tower theather along with the property around it. Selling the tower theather to a church would ruin the area for people and businesses around. Please allow this to go through and help preserve the area and enrichment of culture for future generations.
I strongly support the City's acquisition under these unfortunate circumstances, which will preserve the hub of this arts and entertainment district for use as set forth in the Tower District Specific Plan. This purchase is absolutely necessary for the economic and cultural viability of the City, as a gateway to national parks for domestic and international travelers, and a nightly destination for locals for dinner, music, and drinks. The Tower Theater cannot be allowed to be claimed by one organization, especially one whose motives for such tenancy and acquisition are an obvious purposeful affront to the neighbors, businesses, and patrons of the Tower District. Investment in the Tower Theater has great potential for financial viability once management authority is removed from the hands of the current owner and placed with a professional venue operator, and more importantly shows goodwill and respect for the neighborhood.
I 100% support the City to use my tax dollars to purchase the theater, the crown jewel of the Tower and a public use asset. We need to preserve and protect the existing zoning and businesses of the district. This area needs to remain a cultural arts and entertainment district. This is our home, our neighborhood, not just a once a week adventure. Thank you City Council members.
I support the city purchase of the theatre. I understand that the tax dollars are a lot but by blocking the sale of the church, taxes from businesses will continue to be poured back into the city. Adventure church already has a building in the community. They can work within the community through that building if that is their focus. The theatre needs to remain as a cultural and art focal point of the community.
City of Fresno is illegally interfering with a private sale. They want to use our tax dollars that we work hard for a wrongful purchase. I wonder if we pay for their weekend getaways and dinners as well.
Adventure Church has kept that building up. They have put thousands into its upkeep. They were promised that building and deserve to have it.
I strongly support the City of Fresno buying the Tower Theater! The theater and surrounding areas are zoned for entertainment. Viable, successful businesses are in the area, and it is a vibrant, active community. It is not the appropriate location for a church.
I am in strong support of the City acquiring this property to 1) preserve a beautiful historic landmark for all of Fresno and the Tower District specifically; 2) ensure that the Tower Theatre remains a place open to the use and benefit of all Fresnans and other visitors; and 3) ensure the voices of Tower residents are heard and the character of this unique area is protected.
Please vote "aye."
I strongly support the city of Fresno to buy the tower theatre. Iam completely against the church buying the theatre. Adventure church is discriminatory to our community, and I moved here four years ago to get away from discrimination.
I strongly support this decision for the city of Fresno to purchase the tower theather along with the property around it. Selling the tower theather to a church would ruin the area for people and businesses around. Please allow this to go through and help preserve the area and enrichment of culture for future generations.
Tower to the People!
I strongly support the City's acquisition under these unfortunate circumstances, which will preserve the hub of this arts and entertainment district for use as set forth in the Tower District Specific Plan. This purchase is absolutely necessary for the economic and cultural viability of the City, as a gateway to national parks for domestic and international travelers, and a nightly destination for locals for dinner, music, and drinks. The Tower Theater cannot be allowed to be claimed by one organization, especially one whose motives for such tenancy and acquisition are an obvious purposeful affront to the neighbors, businesses, and patrons of the Tower District. Investment in the Tower Theater has great potential for financial viability once management authority is removed from the hands of the current owner and placed with a professional venue operator, and more importantly shows goodwill and respect for the neighborhood.
I strongly support the purchase of Tower Theatre by the city.
I 100% support the City to use my tax dollars to purchase the theater, the crown jewel of the Tower and a public use asset. We need to preserve and protect the existing zoning and businesses of the district. This area needs to remain a cultural arts and entertainment district. This is our home, our neighborhood, not just a once a week adventure. Thank you City Council members.
I support the city purchase of the theatre. I understand that the tax dollars are a lot but by blocking the sale of the church, taxes from businesses will continue to be poured back into the city. Adventure church already has a building in the community. They can work within the community through that building if that is their focus. The theatre needs to remain as a cultural and art focal point of the community.
I almost lost my life in Tower District. Tower District NEEDS the church.
City of Fresno is illegally interfering with a private sale. They want to use our tax dollars that we work hard for a wrongful purchase. I wonder if we pay for their weekend getaways and dinners as well.
Adventure Church has kept that building up. They have put thousands into its upkeep. They were promised that building and deserve to have it.
I absolutely super the purchase of the Tower theater. It’s still a part of this community and needs to stay that way.
I don’t think the Adventure is doing anything wrong and I think our city can use its funds in a better way.
Adventure Church member want to buy the Tower Theater
I strongly support the City of Fresno buying the Tower Theater! The theater and surrounding areas are zoned for entertainment. Viable, successful businesses are in the area, and it is a vibrant, active community. It is not the appropriate location for a church.
The leaders at the church are more like little centurions than messiahs. They’re not preaching for God, it’s their vanity.
I strongly oppose the City of Fresno purchasing the Tower Theatre. Adventure Church is helping a lot of people find hope and freedom.
Strongly oppose the city buying the theater. Government overreach and inappropriate use of tax funds.
Preserve historic art districts
I’m in favor of the city buying the theater to preserve it!
I support the city’s acquisition of the Tower Theater