Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Youth arts program still needs a home

While it won't be put in the old library building, most Largo officials support finding space for it in another city building.

By SHANNON TAN
Published October 22, 2005

LARGO - The City Commission has decided not to put a free after-school arts program in the old library building, but it asked city staff to find another location for the Youth Arts Corp.

The idea was supported by Commissioner Pat Gerard, vice president of Pinellas programs at Family Resources, the nonprofit group operating the program in St. Petersburg. The program, which offers arts education and job readiness for teenagers, has been trying to expand into mid and north Pinellas.

Family Resources plans to submit a proposal for funding so that it can expand the Youth Arts Corp north, though getting the money from the Juvenile Welfare Board is not a sure thing, Youth Arts Corp director Mary Ann Assiff said Friday.

Once the organization finds a home in this part of the county for the program, the idea is to negotiate an agreement similar to the one with St. Petersburg, which provides the Wildwood Center for $1 a year in rent.

But commissioners said Tuesday night that they did not want to commit to putting the program in the 36,000-square-foot facility. They decided to first establish a committee to survey the local arts community and retain a consultant to develop a cultural plan for Largo.

While many groups, including Schiller International University, have asked to use the vacant building, officials say they want to pursue a community arts center there.

The ad hoc committee, which would be composed of people active in the arts community, would begin meeting next month and report its findings in February. A part-time temporary intern would be hired for $7,000, while the consultant would cost about $10,000.

Several residents objected to the hiring of another consultant. Others criticized Gerard, saying she had a conflict of interest.

"I am ashamed," said businessman John Atanasio.

But City Attorney Alan Zimmet said there was no conflict of interest because Gerard works for a nonprofit organization.

Gerard defended her actions, saying she was simply making the city aware of a potential opportunity.

"I know I will take criticism from people like you," she told Atanasio. "I don't feel like it's a conflict of interest."

Mayor Bob Jackson insisted the program belonged in a school, not a city building.

At least one other commissioner called the plan shortsighted.

"Where is Plan B if the commission did not approve this?" demanded Commissioner Harriet Crozier of city staff. "I think it was shallow thinking on your part."

City Manager Steven Stanton suggested using the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority facility, next to Largo's wastewater reclamation building, as a home for the arts program. The city is expected to purchase that facility for $1.7-million next month, after PSTA moves to a new site on Scherer Drive south of Ulmerton Road.

"The timing on this could not be worse," he acknowledged. "The only thing that could be worse is to reject it ... because of the timing."

Most of the commissioners applauded the idea of finding space for the Youth Arts Corps program in another city building.

They voted to approve Family Resources' request to utilize 5,000 square feet of some facility in Largo, subject to final approval of a site at the Nov. 1 meeting. Jackson was the only dissenting vote, and Commissioner Mary Gray Black was absent.

Assiff said Thursday she was disappointed with the decision.

Still, she said, "We got the second best. I'm very happy they were clearly supportive of the program."

Shannon Tan can be reached at shtan@sptimes.com or 445-4174.

[Last modified October 22, 2005, 01:13:18]