My View – September 2019
Although it’s early in the discussion/negotiation phase, I’m supportive of Britt Festivals’ idea to relocate its corporate offices to the upper floor of New City Hall. Please note that I was one of several community members who formed the non-profit “Jacksonville Heritage Society” nearly ten years ago. Our mission was to have Britt Festivals (a non-profit arts organization) take over the ENTIRE Courthouse campus. This came on the heels of the Southern Oregon Historical Society pulling-up stakes and closing the museum. At the time, Britt wasn’t in a position to move and our Mayor, City Council and staff had other ideas. Ultimately, the City was gifted the building from Jackson County and then used taxpayer Urban Renewal funds to seismically retrofit and refurbish the first floor for city offices.
With the exception of professional office space, the upper floor offers few realistic uses. It is unsuitable for retail or restaurant use and due to its “Special Protection” zoning, the facility may not be leased to a for-profit entity. The city should not be in the business of operating a “performing arts/public meeting” venue that will be underutilized and suck-up scarce funds as it competes with the Community Center and Bigham Knoll for market share.
At the August 20 City Council meeting, Britt CEO Donna Briggs outlined a proposal for the Britt office concept. In her letter of intent, Briggs stated, Britt plays an important and inseparable role in this community. With our venue being in Jacksonville for 57 years, we know and appreciate the uniqueness of our community…The idea to relocate Britt’s administrative office has been a dream of the Britt Board of Directors and staff for over a decade. Britt and the City of Jacksonville are inextricably linked by our shared history and commitment to community.
The Britt proposal includes a reasonable monthly rental fee and a $100,000 contribution towards installation of an elevator—the essential capital improvement that makes the upper floor viable. The plan enables the city to generate “income,” something taxpayers will appreciate…these funds are needed to maintain the integrity of the campus AND bolster the General Fund for other needs.
Unfortunately, a majority of the council expressed a desire to have the entire building used as “public space,” a concept that’s nice on the ears but is fiscally irresponsible.
In upcoming public meetings, the City Council should embrace the Britt concept as a “best of both worlds” proposal that balances the dream
and reality in our Small Town with Big Atmosphere!
Whitman Parker is Owner and Publisher of Jacksonville Review and Southern Oregon Wine Scene magazines.
Not the “best of both worlds”. Britt surely considers it “best” even though they haven’t paid for the plans nor do they have an estimate for “renovation”. This is a beautiful historic one-of-a-kind space owned by the citizens. It should be available to the public, if even on very rare and special occasions. There is no pressing need to make “revenue” or to have the space continually buzzing with activity. Office space is not an appropriate use nor is favoring one money-making (non-profits do have to make money) over another. Just “no”. As a fifth-generation resident of this special town whose family helped Britt happen, ask me why. The Britt Festival is not Jacksonville’s future. History is.
Thank you, Whit, for your positive view. The need for city finances will never go away and allowing the use of the upper level of our City Hall for Britt offices is a good combination for our citizens. Peter Britt was a great city pioneer and now his legacy lives on through music and performance which is a gift to many who visit or are part of our small city. The offices should have come to Jacksonville long ago. The proposed combination of space is a perfect fit. We help each other as a community.