WESTMINSTER

Wading into a long-standing controversy, a private, nonprofit group has proposed building a cultural arts center using some public funds, but less than if the city moves ahead with its own project. Innovative Charities, a group formed by Internet entrepreneur Kevin Crissman, is proposing to transform a 5-acre property at 14381 Magnolia St. into a multipurpose arts center and community gathering point.

“We want to build what Aristotle called ‘The Great Society,’ where everybody would come to the center of town and talk to each other,” Crissman said. He will ask the city to contribute $6 million toward the estimated $20-million cost. He said he would not formally ask for the money until obtaining a $14-million letter of credit from private sources.

In the city’s own proposal for a municipal arts center, the cost is expected to be more than $9 million in public money. The City Council asked Crissman to come back with more information.