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CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING A LICENSE AND FACILITY OVERSIGHT AGREEMENT TO OPERATE A CULTURAL ARTS SPACE
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING A LICENSE AND FACILITY OVERSIGHT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND FRANCISCO GARCIA-VELASQUEZ, DBA THE INDUSTRY, TO OPERATE A CULTURAL ARTS SPACE ON AN UNIMPROVED CITY-OWNED PARCEL LOCATED AT 224 THIRD AVENUE
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommended Action
Council adopt the resolution.
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SUMMARY
The cultural arts space on Third Avenue (Arts Space) would be a non-traditional community space where the arts would be used to animate an unimproved parcel in downtown Chula Vista (224 Third Avenue). The proposed concept aligns with the strategies and initiatives of the Cultural Arts Master Plan (Master Plan) which support the development of non-traditional spaces where artists can showcase their work, hold performances, and where arts and culture can be experienced (Master Plan Goal 5, Strategy 2, Initiative B). The Arts Space would also fill an existing gap in arts and culture venue space in Chula Vista and the South Bay region, as a whole. Francisco Garcia-Velasquez, DBA The Industry, has agreed to manage and operate the Arts Space pursuant to a License and Facility Oversight Agreement (Attachment 1).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Environmental Notice
Environmental Notice
The Project qualifies for a Class 32 Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15332 (Infill Development Projects) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
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Environmental Determination
The Development Services Director has reviewed the proposed project for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the project qualifies for a Class 32 categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15332 Infill Development Projects of the State CEQA Guidelines. Thus, no further environmental review is necessary.
BOARD/COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Not Applicable
DISCUSSION
Cultural arts has emerged as a powerful and energizing factor in the economic development of cities. In cities where the arts are nurtured and supported, there is higher average growth, increased community pride, reduction in crime, and an increase in tourism. Understanding the importance of the arts, in September 2016, the City Council adopted the Cultural Arts Master Plan. Staff has successfully been working with various artists, arts organizations, local businesses, and event promoters to support, facilitate, and promote cultural arts happenings in Chula Vista.
To further support cultural arts and the revitalization of Third Avenue, staff proposes to site shipping containers on an unimproved parcel and repurpose the containers as community arts space. Programming of the Arts Space would be innovative and cross-disciplinary, and would include, music, art installations, dance and video performances, lectures, art forums, and a variety of other arts happenings. Chula Vista residents and Chula Vista based organizations would be provided low to no cost opportunities to use the space. Activating the area with the arts would attract a greater number and more diverse population of people to Third Avenue. More people and a diverse arts scene would help to positively shape the physical, economic, and social character of Third Avenue.
Francisco Garcia-Velasquez (Licensee), DBA The Industry, would operate and manage the Arts Space pursuant to a License and Facility Oversight Agreement. Over the past two years, the Licensee, has operated and managed cultural arts space located in an industrial space on the east side of Chula Vista, known as The Industry. The Industry hosted a variety of artistic events and activities, including live music, visual storytelling, and art exhibitions. The Industry, was one of the few, if not only, community cultural art spaces in the area and quickly became known as a safe place where all persons could create, collaborate, and connect. The Industry outgrew the location on the east side and would like to re-open on the west side. In support of this public good, the City would assist in coordination of community participation in developing the Arts Space, leveraging in-kind services and donations, and assisting in the procurement of the shipping containers. Staff would also work cooperatively with The Industry, in marketing and promoting the Arts Space.
Leveraging Resources
Staff has been working with the Licensee and local businesses in securing in-kind resources, donation of materials, and procurement of the shipping containers for the Arts Space. Staff, in collaboration with the Licensee, will facilitate community input and participation in the build of the Arts Space.
Community Collaborations
Over the past few months, staff has collaborated with a variety of stakeholders on developing the concept for the Arts Space. High Tech High School Chula Vista (HTHCV) assisted staff by researching how to repurpose shipping containers for functional use, collaborated on the site design for the Arts Space, and the students developed a scaled model and google sketch-up of the Arts Space concept. Staff has also coordinated with the Third Avenue Village Association (TAVA) on marketing and promotion strategies and ways to coordinate cross sector collaboration between The Industry and Third Avenue businesses. Local businesses have also provided their support in developing the Arts Space. O’Neill Construction assisted staff and HTHCV with developing the design concept and has secured the donation by Mountain West Real Estate of one shipping container for use on the site. O’Neill Construction has agreed to donate in-kind contractor services to oversee the installation of the containers, coordination and supervision of all on-site design and construction work, and to assist in the repurposing and customization of the containers for arts space. O’Neill Construction has also coordinated the donation of towing services by Road One Towing to move on the shipping container(s). Javier Jimenez, with MJC Construction has agreed to provide and install the fencing and to assist with site improvements, including making entry into the site ADA accessible.
CONCLUSION
Third Avenue is the heart of Chula Vista’s historic downtown. A resurgence of activity is occurring along Third Avenue with new shops, restaurants, and the arrival of the craft brewing industry. Infusing cultural arts into the up and coming downtown scene would help to create a sense of place, would draw visitors to Third Avenue from within and around the region, and would provide another way to further connect the community. In addition, the intention is to further grow and strengthen cross sector collaboration between the artistic community and local businesses to further promote Third Avenue. The Licensee has agreed to manage and maintain the Arts Space pursuant to the License and Facility Oversight Agreement.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
No Property within 500 feet
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and has found no property holdings within 500 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(11), for purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision maker conflict of interest in this matter.
LINK TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The City’s Strategic Plan has five major goals: Operational Excellence, Economic Vitality, Healthy Community, Strong and Secure Neighborhoods and a Connected Community. The Arts Space would support the goal of Economic Vitality by assisting the City in building Chula Vista’s identity as a cultural arts destination. The Arts Space would also support the goal of Connected Community by providing a safe place where all persons of all abilities may create, collaborate, and connect.
CURRENT YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact is anticipated as the lot is vacant. No appropriation of general funds would be required as In-kind resources, donations, community participation, and possibly grant funds will be used to create the Arts Space.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
No future expenditures are anticipated with approval of this item. The Licensee would assume all responsibility of the Arts Space.
The Arts Space could possibly provide a future revenue source for the City’s cultural arts program. The Licensee has agreed to assist staff with hosting fundraising for cultural arts activities and events.
ATTACHMENTS
1. License and Facility Oversight Agreement
Staff Contact: Lynnette Tessitore; Cultural Arts Manager