In response to a letter appearing in the August 27 issue of the News: the suggestion that the Mayor arranged for $30,000-plus a year on an annual basis to be transferred from general tax revenues to the West Windsor Arts Council is totally inaccurate.
At the time the Nassau Pavilion came before the West Windsor Township Planning Board for site approval of Phase 3, I as Chairman, determined that the original developer had failed to meet its obligation to provide an area for community use in the earlier phases of construction. This responsibility carried over to the successor developer.
The West Windsor Arts Council was a fledgling organization at the time, not only in need of funds but also a venue to exhibit its talent in a variety of areas such as music, drama, dance, art, and poetry. Mayor Hsueh and I recognized that need but also saw this as an opportunity to encourage young people and adults to become lovers of the arts, learn new skills, and display their new found talents. Those of us in town less inclined to follow these pursuits would recognize and appreciate their abilities by attending the performances given by the Arts Council at venues such as at Nassau Pavilion at no cost to the attendees.
We forged an agreement with the developer that became a condition of approval in its application to the Planning Board after pointing out to the developer the benefits that would inure to the shopping center, its merchants, and ultimately to the developer from a minimum of three performances given by the Arts Council at the shopping center. These performances were true promotional events designed to increase the level of excitement at the center as well as the volume of business which could increase the percentage rent to the developer. These increased rents could possibly increase the taxes to various governmental entities.
In exchange for the Arts Council events, the developer would pay directly to the West Windsor Arts Council on an annual basis the sum of $30,000 to be increased annually by the cost of living over the prior year as measured by the consumer price index.
In addition, the developer is to provide a stage, audio equipment, lighting, a dance floor and such other equipment as is necessary to stage such an event. Beyond this, the developer is required to provide tables, chairs, insurance, security, clean-up, and print and distribute posters and flyers for each Arts Council-sponsored event — all without cost to the Arts Council.
These conditions remain in existence in perpetuity, are subject to review by the township officials and the Planning Board, and can be modified as to programming and budget considerations solely by the Planning Board.
It is important to note that not one penny of tax revenues was directed to the West Windsor Arts Council. However, the tangible benefits that have accrued to the township residents and will continue to accrue in the future are self-evident. If you attend one of the Arts Council events at the shopping center you will comprehend the significance of the arrangement we executed.
Marvin Gardner
Chairman, WW Planning Board
