Commission is helping SKyPAC become a reality
Published 12:00 am Thursday, June 9, 2005
Thursday, June 09, 2005
A divided Bowling Green City Commission was correct in showing its support for a very important project in downtown revitalization, the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, Commissioners voted 3-2 Tuesday to purchase a section of land on College Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues for development of the center. It will be near the proposed Circus Square Park, an upscale project involving restaurants, businesses and townhomes.
SKyPAC is a worthwhile project that deserves strong support from the community. It is a key component of the downtown revitalization project.
Organizers of SKyPAC had originally agreed to build the facility adjacent to Western Kentucky Universitys campus because the university had agreed to maintain the building. But in 2003, the Downtown Redevelopment Authority asked SKyPAC to move downtown as part of its downtown revitalization project.
Rick McCue, SKyPAC board chairman and president, said Western will pay SKyPAC $1 million for its existing property. SKyPAC will then give the $1 million to the city for purchase of the land downtown. If the cost of purchasing the land and readying it for SKyPAC construction exceeds $1 million, the city agreed to pick up the extra cost.
Western will use the land it purchased from SKyPAC for parking lots, which must be paved and have drainage and lighting installed. As part of the arrangement, WKU will give a portion of the property to the city at no cost for the 14th Avenue realignment project.
The move to buy the land is a big step for making SKyPAC a reality. Its importance cannot be overstated because SKyPAC is an essential part of downtown revitalization coming together.
Although it may be several years before SKyPAC is completed, it will be a huge asset to the overall project and quality of life in this region.
The Bowling Green City Commission realized this and they took an important step toward revitalizing our historic, beautiful downtown. Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700
