An arts center would be a wonderful asset for Gilroy. Let’s make
sure it’s properly placed to create the maximum benefit
Changing circumstances often demand that we re-evaluate plans and ideas.
The proposal for a Gilroy arts center is a case in point. The changing circumstances that are swirling around that proposal include finances and a rare opportunity to purchase park lands.
The city has purchased land for the facility, some of it involving threats of eminent domain, at the corner of Seventh and Monterey streets. It has set aside only $10 million for the project, but the building is expected to cost at least $25 million.
And that’s just the capital cost side of the equation. Operational costs that aren’t covered by arts center revenues will come from the city’s general fund, and the facility lacks a business plan that assures city leaders that won’t happen.
Given that at least one major function planned for the Gilroy arts center – a small theater already exists at Morgan Hill’s 185-seat Community Playhouse, and that theater boasts South Valley Civic Theater as its primary tenant – generating that revenue might be difficult.
We’d also like to see the arts center plans be part of a comprehensive downtown plan that addresses more than cosmetic issues. An arts center might be part of the answer to revitalizing downtown – or not – but whatever the arts center’s benefits are, it will not be a panacea for downtown’s woes.
Our downtown needs to attract unique and compelling retailers in order to thrive. Is an arts center a key component of that? Would a downtown library be a better fit? And where are the funds for that sorely needed facility? Perhaps the land the city purchased would be better used for retail and housing. We’d like someone to show us the data in a comprehensive, fact-based downtown plan.
Then there’s competition for scarce city funds from Gilroy Gardens. The city is seriously considering purchasing the troubled theme park, a deal that looks like a bargain at $13 to $25 million. But the city’s resources are not unlimited, even though residents’ wish list might be, and it’s reasonable to wonder if Gilroy can have both an arts center and a vast new park in the foreseeable future.
That’s why the idea of putting the arts center at Gilroy Gardens, if or when the city purchases it, has some appeal and should be fully considered.
An arts center would be a wonderful asset for Gilroy. Let’s make sure it’s properly placed to create the maximum benefit, and financed so that we leverage scarce city funds to fulfill as many of residents’ wish-list items as possible.
