Support for War Memorial Auditorium renovation
The Greensboro Symphony has been doing its part to round support for a proposed renovation to War Memorial Auditorium as part of a likely November bond referendum.
Here's the sample letter they're asking supporters to send to City Council members.
The symphony is advocating for the full $40 million renovation, which includes a parking garage. But at this point, council members seem to support a $36 million renovation that omits the garage.
The full list of possible projects follows after the jump. Council will next discuss bond projects at 4 p.m. May 16 prior to its regular meeting.
As things stand now, here's the $114.5 million list of projects the council is working with:
* War Memorial Auditorium renovation: $36 million
* Five fire stations: $24 million would buy the stations and land for future stations to improve response times in northeast and southeast Greensboro.
* Capital needs: $5.2 million to make major repairs to city-owned buildings, such as new roofs and heating and cooling systems.
* Libraries and Greensboro Historical Museum: A total of $14 million to build two libraries and expand a third as well as overhaul the museum, including new exhibits.
* War Memorial Stadium: $5.5 million to do an extensive stadium renovation recommended by a task force that would leave the stadium with 2,500 seats.
* Economic development: $10 million that could be used to pay for infrastructure like water and sewer lines and assemble land for large-scale businesses.
* Swimming center: $9 million to build an Olympic-size swimming pool for competitions near the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.
* Parks and recreation: $5 million for various projects.
* International Civil Rights Center and Museum: $5 million, which would require a matching amount in private contributions.
* Ole Asheboro revitalization: $800,000 to complete a revitalization project that began in 1979.
Comments (2)
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I know this will be brought up again and again regarding the Coliseum Auditorium Renovation - why drop $36 Million fixing up a facility that would cost a third if built new. We spend over 72 Million doubling the size of the coliseum, special events center and more. Now 36 Million adds around 200 more seats.
Where's the logic in this?
With regards to the Symphony - you guys need to lighten up and play where you will be heard and appreciated. It's certainly is not happening at the coliseum.
Posted on May 12, 2006 1:54 PM
Don Moore,
in reference to your comment I must disagree. I state of the art symphony space can not be built for one third of $36 million. I would get into the reasons, but it truly is too many to list.
I do agree with you on just building another hall. However, renovating the existing building is easier and in turn cheaper. If Greensboro wants to compete with other cities we must bring in ideas. Having the Greensboro Symphony Orcherstra there would be amazing. They could also rehearse in the facility freeing up space at the Cultral Arts Center.
So much good can come from this. Educational purposes. Larger theatre production could be booked. We could totally transfprm that area. Not only adding to the beautification of the area, but possibl bringing a hotel, conference center, etc...Greensboro needs to start somewhere and that somewhere is here. As a native of Greensboro, now living in NYC-working closly with Downtown GSO-I'm looking forward to this passing.
Posted on August 8, 2006 7:35 PM