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Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 10:34 am
by dl meckes
Phil Florian wrote:DL, all the redesignation and such of districts is a City responsibility and doesn't really cost anything, correct? I assume that this is the larger role for the City of Lakewood since they shouldn't be spending new money on this, right?
Yes, this falls within the larger role of the city. This doesn't require "new" money, but we still have to pay the salaries of the folks in the Planning Dept. and the Law Dept. so we can't say it's free.
There is a process which must be followed, which takes time, and DH & I have talked with several council members about it. They were very receptive to the idea, especially because there's really no down side to a district designation and they understand how the Arts work as an economic driver.
Sometimes timing is everything and we're nearing the point where the timing is right.
While an Arts District would not impact the Historic Neighborhood designation of Birdtown, it is important to do nothing to confuse that issue, which is one reason why council members have very sensibly hesitated in moving forward until that process has been finalized.
Posted: Thu Oct 19, 2006 12:06 pm
by Teresa Andreani
Just a point of clarification:
Westshore Academy was the moniker for the former alternative education program in Lakewood. Lakewood City Academy fills this role.
The program referred to in the Beck Center discussion in the West Shore Career-Technical Education District.
Ivor:
I really don't care about this issue, because I'll be out of that school come June- but the Arts program is praying for any kind of help and they're getting none.
I appreciate your frustration at the limited funding. Here's a little good news! If you get a minute, talk with Mrs. Amy Sedlak, art teacher at LHS. She wrote a proposal to the Lakewood Public Schools Alumni Foundation and will receive a grant for start-up funds for a project she has wanted to do with her advanced students.
Posted: Fri Oct 27, 2006 6:03 am
by Phil Florian
Talk about my personal dream come true. Okay, it is still mostly a fantasy but a tantalizing one. When we first moved to Northland Ave., I instantly fell in love with the old theater on Madison and Hilliard. In fact, I think it was the location of my first viewing of "Rocky Horror" way back when.
Anyway, I had always hoped someone would do something nice with this location, though its severe lack of parking would be an issue. The latest Free Times has an article on the Beck/School deal that looks at one alternate location for the new Beck and Arts district. Color me giddy as a school kid if this ever became a reality (I know, long shot...but a guy can dream, can't he?). Hmmm...art district within ridiculously easy walking distance...hmmmm...
http://www.freetimes.com/story/4256
Phil