Read on Twitter
A church in the Tower Theatre wouldn't just change the cultural character of the neighborhood. More importantly, it could change the economic recovery of the neighborhood post-covid due to rezoning. Other businesses could be affected. https://twitter.com/Kirsten_TV/status/1346508257834139648
This isn't about being anti-church, btw. This is about fair and equitable process regarding how this district is planned by its community. A church there changes the Tower District Specific Plan and adversely affects it. Changing the cultural landscape is a separate issue.
The Tower Thtr is a much needed performing arts venue. Things are hard right now, tho. It is also home to diverse offerings for our community, including the LGBTQ+ community - a cornerstone of this neighborhood. A church changes that landscape for the long-term.
There are plenty of places to grow a church here. Places where secular, non-mainstream, and creative opportunities can grow are fewer. We cannot even begin to support our cultural landscape if the economic supports aren't there in terms of nightlife and creative opportunities.
A church on the corner of Wishon and Olive may be great for the church. But the long-term effects on the entire neighborhood are perhaps not being considered. I wish the city would work in partnership with the neighborhood to find a buyer that works with the District.
If you'd like to inform the city council members of views against rezoning, I've drafted a sample letter. There's one for non-resident Tower supporters as well. Copy and paste or use as inspiration, as you see fit. Contacts are in the doc. https://bit.ly/NoRezoneLetter
Response outlining the process from Councilwoman Soria
