More People Want I.M.P. Venue in Silver Spring
The plot thickens for the Montgomery County-Live Nation concert hall deal. In September the county signed a non-binding letter of intent with concert promoter Live Nation for a Fillmore concert hall in Silver Spring, which would give the company $8 million in state and county funds, rent well below the market rate, and other perks. But now, county council members, groups of residents, and even the Howard County executive are questioning the county's deal and backing the proposal by I.M.P., Seth Hurwitz's Montgomery-based company that runs the 9:30 Club and Merriweather Post Pavilion. I.M.P.'s proposal for a club would be cheaper for the county and would pay more rent.
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett isn't having it, however, telling the Post that Hurwitz's proposal was "just a distraction," while the Woodside Park Civic Association's president compared the current deal to a wedding engagement that should not be broken. Leggett echoed those sentiments, saying that to look at other offers now could hurt the county's reputation in the future.
Some community members and county council members disagree. Council member George L. Leventhal told the Post that he doesn't "consider the case closed in support of any one operator." On November 20th, the Silver Spring Citizen's Advisory Board asked the county to take another look at I.M.P. and asked to be a liaison between the county and Live Nation. Evan Glass, the South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association's president, said, "If a local business owner is able to do what a national brand is able to do, and in a less expensive way, I don't know how or why we're not entertaining such offers."
Citing the fact that Live Nation would pay about $3 per square foot, when most buildings in Silver Spring go for about $35-$50, County Council member Marc Elrich asked, "Why would we sell it for less than the current value, let alone the future value?" The Post quotes Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board member Philip Olivetti, who wondered, "When public money is involved, and at least on paper there is a potential savings for taxpayers, how you can simply dismiss it?" Hurwitz echoes many of those complaints too: "The idea that you need to subsidize anyone in this place is nuts. Why they'd feel they need to give the place away is beyond me. This is such a ridiculous deal."
Even neighboring counties are getting into the act. We were forwarded a letter from Howard County Executive Ken Ulman to Leggett and the Montgomery County Council. Ulman argues strongly in favor of I.M.P. and Seth Hurwitz, saying that I.M.P. saved Howard County's Merriweather Post Pavilion, citing successful concerts I.M.P. ran in his county:
I.M.P.’s track record, consistent professionalism and commitment to excellence proves that the company is capable of running top-notch music venues, but what makes it truly the best promoter and venue manager is its knowledge of our area and dedication to working with our communities.The 9:30 Club also just won the Billboard award for top club in the nation, again, based on ticket sales.
With all the people coming out in favor of I.M.P.'s proposal, and the apparently much lower cost and higher return for the county with the plan, we wonder why Leggett isn't paying more attention to the proposal.
Leggett's spokesman told the Post that after talks for bringing a Birchmere venue to Silver Spring brokedown, they heard from people in Silver Spring who said things like, "whatever you do, we don't want the 9:30 Club." But that doesn't seem to be the case here, as many citizens groups and legislators are arguing for Hurwitz's company. Leggett's argument that there's already a deal so the county can't talk to others seems weak, especially since there was no request for proposals for the location. Under their letter of intent, the county and Live Nation must agree on plans by December 31, 2007.
What do you think?