You know what's wrong with the Flat Rock Playhouse?

This:

But [Flat Rock Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Vincent Marini] pointed out that "nonprofit businesses like ours are not designed to stand on their own. If they were, they would be for-profit businesses."
(From the print edition of today's Times-News. I urge you to buy a copy and read the entire article--it's an amazing display of the entitlement mentality.)

That has to be one of the most ignorant statements on business I've seen.

Non-profits, just like for-profits, are expected to stay within budgets, have realistic business plans, and reinvest in their infrastructure. All the "non-profit" part means is that because of the services they provide, they are exempt from certain tax burdens and any "profit" they do make has to be handled in a specific way--not that they are to be permanent leeches on the taxpayers. A theater is not a public safety authority, like the police and fire departments--it should not be guaranteed never-ending taxpayer monies.

I have no problem with the Flat Rock Playhouse receiving government funds set aside to help non-profits--the Playhouse does contribute to the economic well-being of Henderson County (and I feel for the Playhouse employees who do an outstanding job and are now caught in the middle of this). But that money should come through applying for grants, requesting sponsorships, etc., that are reviewed every year--not from a guaranteed income revenue stream based on increased taxes that harms one of the most vital segments of the county economy, the lodging/tourism industry.

Just a few months ago, Mr. Marini was saying that the tax funding they would receive would go towards helping create shared marketing (never mind that tourism marketing is not the Playhouse's mission or that such an undertaking would be incredibly expensive and totally outside the Playhouse area of expertise):

... The Playhouse plans to supplement the proposed extra funds with its own marketing dollars to pursue a strategy of "cooperation and integration" among all tourism entities in order "to change the game in terms of tourism in Henderson County," said Producing Artistic Director Vincent Marini....

The Playhouse's plan highlights six strategies for exploring "new and innovative ways" to allow other tourism entities controlled access to its patron base.

Examples include featuring a different local B&B or inn each week in a display in the lobby of the Playhouse Downtown; enabling the 15,000 monthly visitors to the Playhouse website to book vacations that incorporate county museums, lodging, dining, recreation and entertainment options; and the creation of a shared reservation system that allows the Playhouse to act as a central reservation center for county tourism, while allowing hotels, inns, restaurants and other attractions to sell Playhouse tickets....

So which is it? Do they need the funding to meet payroll? Or to create a county-wide marketing strategy? And why was that idea floated (seemingly to placate the lodging industry) if they really needed the money for operating expenses?

The Playhouse celebrates 60 years this year. For 50-some odd of those years, from my understanding, it operated primarily in the black. Now, it is financially deeply in the hole, and looking for a government "permanent funding mechanism" (i.e., taxpayer money/bailout) to dig itself out.

Perhaps those involved in the Playhouse need to look at what has happened over the past few years to create their financial trouble (and don't blame it all on the economy--other non-profits have weathered the downturn without incurring massive debt) and start with fixing that, not looking for a handout. 

Tom Brown rides again: An open letter about the possible park to Mayor Staton

A letter from Flat Rock resident Tom Brown to Mayor Bob Staton (all boldface is mine):

AN OPEN LETTER TO THE MAYOR

Good Morning Mayor:

As a resident of Flat Rock, I would like to share a few thoughts with you on the proposed park.

First, I do think it to be a good idea for the Village.

The park can bring additional "Quality of Life" to the Village residents and surrounding area.

I am concerned about the proposed tax to pay for it as it could be a negative to Flat Rock Businesses. I am also aware that Flat Rock property taxes will be impacted by the maintenance and upkeep thereof, which may affect property resale values and certainly the costs associated to all residents of Flat Rock. Furthermore, how it is developed, operated and maintained will positively or negatively affect property values.

The important factors, as I am sure you are aware of, are:

• How it is developed
• The cost to develop it
• The cost to maintain it

Upfront, one concern expressed at last night meeting, was, residents have not seen any proposed purchase price for the property, except that which is listed by the owner currently of $1.3 m.

Personally, I say, WOW!, what a heady figure.

I wish I could get three times what I paid for my house in Highland Golf Villas.

I know asking and getting are two different things though.

I hope the Village does not plan to spend this much to acquire this property.

My assessment of the property, and is its valuation on the current market is based upon certain factors that I have been told are facts.

It contains 65 acres, much of which is in flood plain, which has limited usability, and only 20 acres are useable as building sites for homes as it is currently zoned. I have been told by the village zoning representative, that the property is zoned R2 which is single family homes and a "special use permit" was granted to the golf course to operate it as such. I understand this "special use" may or may not transfer to a new owner reverting the property zoning back to R2. But in any case, the property will be single family houses or a golf course unless a hearing is held to rezone the property and approved by the council and taxpayers of Flat Rock.

Based upon these facts, the marketability of the property is greatly diminished to only a home development on only a portion of the acreage property or a Golf Course.

Another point is the valuation of the buildings on the property, valued at some $630k on the tax bill, would be of practically no value to a developer, other than the clubhouse, which might be used by an HOA. The office trailer upfront with the cart storage building and the equipment shed at the back of the property are of no real value.

Based upon this, the property value is no where near $1.3m in this market. I suggest a price be established around the $500,000 mark for the property. As for the buildings, of what value are they to a park?

As it relates to the amenities of the park, the survey taken last night should shed some light on the subject. My take on the meeting was for an open green space, walking trails, bike paths, and picnic shelters. There seems to be some mixed reviews on the other activities asked about like the playground, bocce ball court and shuffle board. But the survey might be more specific when tabulated by the committee. But definitely there was concern about the appearance and beauty of the area as a "Gateway" to Flat Rock keeping all of the trees and planting more tress and foliage to develop a Green Space atmosphere.

I think overwhelmingly, the concern was expressed not to develop ball fields, basketball courts or lighted nighttime areas for other nighttime activities. There is too much light pollution in the area now as it stands with Ingles, etc., which I personally feel violates your ordinances.

There seems to be a lot of concern about a natural green buffer zone being established around the property to protect the privacy and security of adjacent homes and a visible security presence throughout the daytime and nighttime for these homes and the park. Many expressed concerns about unauthorized use during the evening hours by teens and others, for other than lawful activities. Consideration needs to be given to provide visible security for the park and the adjacent homes near the park property and needs to be maintained within the park which needs to be secured at night (possibly by a gate) when closed. Patrols need to restrict such activities that have been taking place at other parks and currently even on this golf course.

Traffic was another issue raised, as Highland Lake Road is already a traffic issue, and there were issues raised concerning parking and ingress/egress of vehicles and the traversing of the park property by vehicles. Personally, I think vehicles should be limited to front parking areas only, to eliminate a conflict between pedestrian foot traffic and cars. It also stimulates the parks intent and aspect of healthy "walking" to the activity areas. Naturally, though there should be special access for handicapped/elderly people.

Lastly, I know many people were concerning about maintenance and upkeep. Henderson county parks have shown all residents how poorly maintained parks look and feel.

With a $60 million dollar surplus, you think Henderson county would take better care of its schools and parks rather than spending monies to buy additional land and buildings to become land barons.

With all this said, I think it will be a great undertaking and could be very beneficial to Flat Rock if done properly.

Best Regards,

T.L. Brown
Resident of Highland Golf Villas

On last night's public forum on the possible park

Two news stories about the Flat Rock Park Exploratory Committee's public forum Thursday night to hear suggestions/concerns about the village's possible purchase of the Highland Lake Golf Club for a park, one from the Times-News and one from the Hendersonville Lightning.

For those who missed the meeting or have more to tell the committee, the committee's email address is park@villageofflatrock.org. This email is active until December 1 and then it will be closed, so if you want to comment, do it now!

From the Times-News:

The majority of 75 residents attending a public input meeting Thursday seemed to favor the idea of the Village of Flat Rock buying Highland Lake Golf Club and making it a municipal park.

The Flat Rock Park Exploratory Committee, charged with examining the feasibility of a new park and what it would entail, held the meeting at the parish hall of St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church on Greenville Highway.

Ginger Brown, chair of the exploratory committee, stressed that the meeting was the public’s chance to tell village officials what they would like to see in a municipal park, should it come to pass.

“We’re not here to advocate for the park, for or against,” Brown said.

Village council will make the final decision, she said, based on committee recommendations, which should be complete by late December. Council could decide whether to move forward with a park “within the next few months or so.”...

Read it all.

And from the Hendersonville Lightning:

FLAT ROCK — Speakers invited to express their opinion about a proposed Flat Rock park on the Highland Lake Golf Club property came out mostly in support of the idea Thursday night.

Two residents cautioned about costs and unwanted intrusions that could come with public park development, and others said they were concerned about traffic and nighttime use.

People interested in the park idea filled the parish hall of St. John in the Wilderness Church Thursday night. About 15 spoke, mostly in favor. The committee gathering information for the Village Council described the meeting as a "listening session" and "not a meeting (for the committee) to advocate for or against a park or the use of public funds." No decisions were made and the committee made no comments in reaction to the audience....

Read it all.

Tomorrow Flat Rock committee to hold public forum on park idea

Don't forget the public forum meeting tomorrow night (Thursday, Nov. 15) at 7:00 p.m. at St. John's parish hall on what Flat Rock residents would like to see in a park, if the village council decides to pursue possible purchase of the Highland Lake Golf Club. From the Times-News:

The Flat Rock Park Exploratory Committee has been looking into the feasibility of the Village of Flat Rock purchasing the Highland Lake golf course and turning it into a public park. The committee has been gathering information from the public and will hold an open public forum at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. John in the Wilderness Parish Hall. Parking space at the church is limited, and people are encouraged to carpool....

Check it out and don't forget to send any ideas you have to park@villageofflatrock.org

Changes (and a freebie) at Carl Sandburg

With Connie Backlund's retirement in October, the Carl Sandburg Home Historic Site has a new superintendent, Tyrone Brandyburg. From the Times-News:

Brandyburg was most recently the superintendent of Moores Creek National Battlefield in Currie and reported to his new assignment at Carl Sandburg Home NHS on Oct. 22.

“We are delighted to have Tyrone move to Carl Sandburg Home,” National Park Service Southeast Regional Director David Vela said. “He has done a superb job for the last five years at Moores Creek. He is an energetic leader with a solid Park Service background. We know he will be a great asset to his new park and to the neighboring community.”

Brandyburg, a 25-year National Park Service veteran, was born in Orangeburg, S.C., graduated from Branchville High School in Branchville, S.C., and earned a bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg....

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the talented staff and park partners to continue our mission of protecting and preserving park resources,” Brandyburg said. “Carl Sandburg was a very intriguing man who was a champion for the everyday working person, those who neither had the words nor the power to speak for themselves, and I look forward to learning more about him.”

Read it all. And get a free visit to Carl Sandburg on Veterans' Day Weekend, November 10-12:

Carl Sandburg Home NHS will waive the tour fee of the Sandburg Home. There is never a fee to visit the grounds, trails or farm. Active duty personnel also are encouraged to pick up the new America the Beautiful Military Pass for use throughout the year at any national park, wildlife refuge or other federal site that charges an entrance fee.