Tagged: GPAC

In Greensboro, voters could decide the fate of a proposed downtown performing arts center.

It's not clear yet if residents will in fact get to vote on a proposed $60 million downtown performing arts center. The City Council voted seven to two on Tuesday to pursue a voter bond referendum, and deny the request from a citizen task force for local government to allocate the money. Ross Harris is the project manager of GPAC, the organization working to get the venue built.

Voters in Greensboro will not see a referendum for a new performing arts center on the November ballot.

Jeff Tiberii: A task force has been studying the feasibility of a new downtown arts venue. They had hoped a $20 million bond referendum would be posed to voters this fall. But the City Council ultimately decided it was not comfortable moving the issue forward. Ross Harris is one of 80 task force members working for the arts center.

In November of 2008 the Durham Performing Arts Center opened its doors to Broadway performances, and big name musical acts. By virtually all accounts D-PAC has been a success, welcoming more visitors and earning more money than many had expected. Now Greensboro is considering following suit. Residents, politicians and leaders of the arts community are discussing G-PAC. Supporters say the proposed 50 million dollar facility would boost the local economy and make the city a better place to live. But there are many questions: such as location, parking and would voters approve it?