One may question how the State Theater ranks 3 out of 6 votes when public safety only gets one vote from the city council (DOC: Work Session Votes Cast Results.pdf)
It would seem to me that Council Leadership is probably ‘whipping the votes’ behind the scenes for the State Theater and the administration, and like the massive proposed TIFs for downtown development, there seems to be some backdoor wrangling going on to make the appearance that these things are important to the public.
I did my usual polling this past weekend of downtowners about funding the Theater with tax dollars. While there was huge praise for the State and it’s redevelopment, most if not all, said it shouldn’t be funded with tax dollars. The most common response was that they have had plenty of time to raise the money.
I was also told that the Henkin family pulled their donation due to the delay in finishing the project (I haven’t had anyone verify that yet).
I think if the administration and certain councilors try to push forward with any significant funding to the project (the number being thrown around is $1.5 million) there will be some backlash from residents) especially with all the issues we have been having with flooding homes and potholes.
I guess we will see how this drama plays out.