Studying Theater Proposal

After fully reviewing the ballot arguments, the two ordinances, watching the cable TV debate on the issue and asking lots of questions, I am convinced that the proposed movie project is good for Downey.

There will not be a major parking problem because the new parking structure is properly sized for normal theater requirements by a professional traffic engineer. Nearby city-owned parking lots can easily handle peak night parking. Additional parking can be arranged with the owners of the empty private parking lots surrounding the theater. Embassy Suites Hotel guests and nearby residents will simply walk to the movies. Also, many people will go elsewhere if the theater parking lot is full. Minor changes to restricted street parking to provide better access to other local businesses and ATMs will be addressed by the city in the next phases of downtown renovation.

Troublemakers will not hang around the movie theater because it is too close to police headquarters and loitering will be too noticeable. The area is very easy to police, and vandals will not be buying $7 theater tickets.

In today’s economy many cities and states are offering incentives to attract new businesses. The package of incentives Downey has made to Krikorian theaters is not unusual for today’s marketplace. Downey has worked a reasonable compromise where we get a paid-for and maintained 355-space parking structure in exchange for a small parking lot and the city’s share of Mr. Krikorian’s future property tax payments. The theater will be owned by Krikorian, and the risks from operating the theater are Krikorian’s and not ours. Entry-level jobs are important for our citizens, and the theater will be a fine employer.

Please join me in voting Yes on the May 18 ballot to enable our children and families to attend first-run movies in Downey rather than taking our business to nearby cities.

JOEL H. LUBIN

Downey