Interesting Allen Johnson column in yesterday’s N&R on the Greensboro City Council’s approval of a $1.2 million loan to help the Nussbaum Center renovate its new location.
Johnson answers some council members concerns that the Nussbaum Center will “keep coming back for handouts” by noting that in “its 20-year history it has previously asked for assistance from local governments exactly twice. Otherwise, it’s self-sustaining.”
As you can probably imagine, I think asking government for assistance from local governments just once is too much. In fairness, Johnson notes that the Nussbaum Center “had to move, because its lease is expiring and its landlord, Revolution Mill Studios, wants to convert its current quarters to premium office space at rent prices the center could never afford.” That happens all the time in the private sector. In fact, it just to the Gate City Chop House, which closed after 17 years in business because the owner was unable to reach an agreement with his landlord when the lease came due.
Service jobs are an important part of Greensboro’s economy, as proponents of taxpayer-subsidized entertainment venues constantly argue. Employees will lose their jobs as a result of the Chop House shutting down, so why shouldn’t the city help the owners relocate?
By the way, Inside Scoop reported last month that part of the Nussbaum’s Center’s $1.2 million request was “$663,000 in reserve funds for building maintenance and operating capital.” I assume that’s part of the loan approved by council. Let me know if I’m wrong.
