The Miami Herald reports that the Hollywood city commission voted to exercise the deed restriction on the Hollywood Playhouse property on Wednesday, and seemingly voiced support for bringing back theatre to the city.
“I think we can take this court,” said Commissioner Beam Furr. “At the worst we lose, and we have to buy it. Then we have a playhouse.”Of course, in this economy, not everyone agrees.
But Mayor Peter Bober said he is not willing to risk taxpayer dollars when “the reality is we don’t have a strong case.”Mr. Bober apparently hasn't done much research into the subject of the effects of having a theatre in town; the national average is that every dollar invested in a performing arts venue spurs eight dollars of economic return to the community. And that will fund a few police officers.
“I am not going into the theater business,” Bober said, adding that while the city is in difficult financial straights it should not be putting money on the line for a theater. “I would rather hire more cops for a $1 million.”
Fortunately, even with a wimpy mayor, the city commission is willing to take the fight to court, if necessary.
“I am not convinced that our case is that weak,” said Commissioner Heidi O’Sheehan. “I think we have a good chance of winning.”Make sure you contact the City of Hollywood and let them know your position on the matter.
Mayor Peter Bober: pbober@hollywoodfl.org
Commissioner Patricia Asseff: passeff@hollywoodfl.org
Commissioner Heidi O'Sheehan: hosheehan@hollywoodfl.org
Richard S. Blattner: rblattner@hollywoodfl.org
Commissioner Frances Russo: frusso@hollywoodfl.org
Vice Mayor Linda Sherwood: lsherwood@hollywoodfl.org
You can just click this link to send a message to all of them:
Email the Mayor and Commissioners
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