City Delays Action on Rescue of Theater

Like an old melodrama, the tension mounted this week as the City Council created its own cliffhanger--delaying a decision on the rescue of a historic downtown theater.

The council Wednesday delayed deciding whether to spend $391,000 to take over the mortgage on the High Street building and to loan the owner, Linda Bredemann, $25,000 so she can book shows for the 1999-2000 season. The money would come from the city’s Redevelopment Agency.

Council members said they want more information on the structure, the theater’s finances and Bredemann’s plan to return the theater to profitability.

“If granted the money and we have time to reorganize, we’d come back as strong as we were before--if not stronger,” Bredemann said.

The council seemed split on whether to use redevelopment funds.

Council members Debbie Rodgers and Chris Evans said they oppose the idea. Others indicated they would be willing to support it if more information is provided.

The council agreed to spend up to $5,000 to gather information.

“I’m not opposed to buying the building, but I’m not supportive of the city going into the theater business,” Evans said. “There is no use in spending the money if we are not prepared to go all the way.”

Councilman Clint Harper said if the information proves favorable, he would “be willing to embark on going into the theater business to try and save High Street.”

Former Councilwoman Eloise Brown, who opposed such spending of city funds, asked the council to consider the investment as if it were their own money.

“If you would be willing to invest $10,000 of your own money, then go do it,” she said.