Forget about an arts center. The VH is not an ATM for special interest projects.
Walnut/Town Garage site was always the best place for a parking project. Central location to CBD & transportation. Ground level + 2 upper levels. Install a traffic light at the dangerous intersection of Franklin/Walnut.
If the VC wanted to get us out of the parking lot business, it should look into the owners of the Ken Smith & adjacent properties to do parking on the west side of the property & responsible mixed use on the east side.
As long as the VC is transparent and has no sacred cows to feed, it can be done.
Just the name changed in the municipal election.
I hate to break it to you, but this is how politics works, be it local, State, or Federal. Special interest fund campaigns and when “their” person wins, pay-back is expected. It’s nothing more than organized corruption. We only hope that the corruption is of the mild kind.
Saraceno wants perf. arts center. Take him off the library board. DO NOT BUILD.
If someone wants a performing arts center that is great. Let them buy the building and build one with adequate parking and town approvals like anyone else. The market place will dictate if there is a need for one. Don’t expect the taxpayers to pick up the tab for your pet projects.
Does Saraceno own the property on the corner of Franklin and Maple (Old Brake-O-Rama) ? With the condition of that property, why would anyone trust him with building anything here ?