A civic organization is asking for public input on the future of the Williamsburg Arts District.
The Williamsburg Arts District Association is soliciting public opinion on city plans for the nascent Arts District, including a proposal to install sculptures in the area and the future of a vacant lot on Richmond Road.
Greg Granger, a WADA leader, said several property owners and businesses in the Arts District has been asked to grant easements to the city for the installation of up to 19 sculpture installations to place more emphasis on the arts in the area.
“I am being asked as a ‘stakeholder’ to grant up to five separate easements for these sculptures and help provide funding for the sculptures to go on private land,” Granger said in an email. “I believe all the residents of Williamsburg are ‘stakeholders’ in this community.”
Granger said he wanted Williamsburg residents to reach out to him or the WADA organization to make their opinions known on the proposal.
“Is it in keeping with the preservation of our historic community?” he said in an email. “Is it what you want to see in downtown Williamsburg? Is it what you want our visitors to see in our community? Is it a direction we should go in building the Arts District? I know I would like to hear your input before granting easements to the City for such sculptures.”
Granger also said he hoped residents would provide input on WADA’s proposal to construct a temporary performance stage on the Tioga property at 906 Richmond Road.
The proposal includes the installation of temporary power service, directory signs for the Arts District attractions, decorative fencing and a stage suitable for small concerts and performances.
The city purchased the lot in 2007 for $1 million. It is currently for sale at $650,000.
“The city’s EDA has approved some funds for some of this but the city has yet to approve the installation of any of these temporary improvements to allow for such activity moving forward,” Granger said in an email. “Should they? Is this good for Williamsburg? Is it what you want to see in downtown Williamsburg?”
Granger said public input would be essential to the long-term success of the Arts District.
“We are all stakeholders and I would truly appreciate your input on these subjects as they are important to the Arts District and the City of Williamsburg,” he said in an email.
Interested parties can contact WADA by email at [email protected].
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