Olmsted County Board Delays Performing Arts Center Vote for Seneca Foods Site
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- A decision regarding the future for a prominent plot of the land in Rochester has been delayed.
Read More: Olmsted County Board to Consider Major Seneca Food Site Proposal
The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners voted to table a decision on entering a non-binding agreement with an organization seeking to build a Performing Arts Center at the former Seneca Food site.
The county purchased the 10-acre site in the area of Hwy. 14 and 3rd Ave. SE in 2019 for $5.6 million.
The Southeast Minnesota Performing Arts Center has been engaged in discussions with Olmsted County since late last year concerning its proposal to build a 2,000-seat facility on a portion of the county-owned land.
The commissioners were asked to approve a nonbinding commitment to donate land for the performing arts project. The letter of commitment also includes a timeline for the performing arts organization to reach milestones in advancing its proposal.
The county would be prepared to enter into a binding long-term ground lease, with the rent set at a level that would cover the annual property tax payments for the property. The long-term lease could extend for as many as 99 years.
Olmsted County Board Tables Decision to Commit to Performing Arts Center at Seneca Foods Site on 4-3 Vote
The county board voted 4-3 to table the decision to enter the commitment until its first meeting in September. Board members Brian Mueller, Michelle Rossman, Bob Hopkins and Dave Senjem voted in favor of the delay.
See Also: Rochester School Board Approves $44.5 Million Facility Realignment Plan
They cited an ongoing study to determine feasibility of building a performing arts center at the site.
The first portion of the study is set to be completed this month and the second phase is due to finish by the end of the year.
Commissioners Laurel Podulke-Smith, Mark Thein and Gregg Wright voted against delaying the decision, arguing that the county would be going back on their commitment to the group by tabling the issue.
SPARK Children's Museum Involved
SPARK Children’s Museum is also eying the site. A presentation shown to board members indicated the organization approached the county about constructing a facility on the land in May of this year.
The museum's lease at their current space in Apache Mall ends in 2030. Both organizations met earlier this year to discuss a compatibility plan.
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