HOW I SEE IT: Chamber supports $1.5M for theater
Published: November 3, 2009
Updated: November 3, 2009
The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the allocation of $1.5 million for funding by the town of Culpeper to advance the construction of the State Theatre renovation project. The benefits to the community for a fully operational State Theatre are significant. The window of opportunity for success of the project is ideal to begin ASAP.
Promoting “consumable tourism,” the theater programming would provide a fresh and new reason to visit Culpeper regularly. In addition, this project would join a network of art and culture throughout the region to bring Broadway-caliber productions to Culpeper with no competitors within an hour’s drive.
Collateral revenue to the town provides a compelling reason to accelerate this project sooner than later, including sales, meals, lodging and admission taxes.
The project is a “green project.” The restoration of an existing building preserves our historic landmark while using an existing structure. In addition, The Kennedy Center has donated chairs that were originally used at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., adding to the historic significance of the project.
The local stimulus would more than 200 workers and 28 trades over a two-year construction period. The current economic environment offers the best pricing for construction services.
The healthy debate about the subject is an opportunity for our community to come together and set a course for future economic development within the town of Culpeper.
Our community has an excellent track record for good decisions. The leadership to move forward with the Depot renovation drew economic development from Main Street to Commerce Street, creating a Davis Street area that is vibrant. Our Depot has put us on the map as one of the few stops along the new Amtrak North East Regional Route. This is a significant milestone for our residents, businesses and visitors.
We have a similar opportunity to take the next step and build on our success. Our residents, businesses and tourists will have an opportunity to experience something fresh and interesting with each new show, lecture, production and performance. Nothing is more inspirational for our students than to see, first-hand, performances by world-class artists, as motivation toward their educational excellence.
When the train arrives and a visitor can walk to dinner, see a world-class production, stay in a bed-and-breakfast, and shop at our shops the next morning — all within walking distance — Culpeper will continue to lead the way as a destination. This demonstrates our commitment to a quality of life for our residents, businesses and tourists that sets us apart as a top small town in America.
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Reader Reactions
Of course Mr. Charapich supports the 1.5 Million for the theatre. Why not, his organization feeds from the same taxpayer trough at the tune of $80,000 to $90,000 per year. When questioned about this before, the Mayor indicated this was a long standing arrangement with the Chamber. Mr. Charapich’s predecessor, indicated this money was to operate the visitor’s center, however, they stated all who works in the visitor center are volunteers. The Chamber occupies the Depot which is owned by the Town of Culpeper. We the taxpayers, are still waiting for an answer from Mr. Muzzy regarding how much money does the Chamber pay the town for their occupancy of the depot. Besides the Chamber of Commerce advocating cheap labor on behalf of illegal aliens on a national basis, does this organization provide hiring preferences for the soldiers returning from the battlefield? Does the Chamber have any programs in support of veterans seeking work? Does the Chamber advocate to its members to provide a hiring preference for those who have donned a uniform in the defense of our country? Does our local Chamber do or provide any of the above for veterans? Jerry R. Beckett
I hope the chamber remembers where this money for the donation to the State Theater comes from when taxes go up to pay for it. And don’t cry when taxes go up to just maingtain the same level of service we now enjoy. The chamber gladly should endorse that tax increase required to pay the debt service, quit complaining about other business taxes because that is where the money comes from. I assume the local banks are part of the chamber so where is their money for this project? And remember chamber members this is a gift and not a loan so it will only be repaid by additional tax revenue if it becomes the economic magnet you think it will. One final thought, would you as businesses in this community give away this kind of money with no assurance of a return? There is no such thing as a free ride.
Personally I am thrilled that the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce is supportive of the renovation of the State Theatre and i think if they weren’t THAT would be a bigger problem.
According to CSE, an institution known for it accuracy and digging for the facts, mentions the funds may not be required at all. So what difference does it make to allocate the funds? I mean besides the projects that we need and these financial times we are in and more importantly that lay ahead of us, it makes perfect sense to give the money to a project that doesn’t need the money.
I think the last time I approached my bank for an unsecured loan, the bank loan officer simply said, No. If it is correct to run a business that way perhaps it’s a correct position to use when working wiht the town tax payer money?
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