URB Renewal Request August 2022_DiverseArts — original pdf

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DiverseArts COA Housing and Planning Department DiverseArts/Kenny Dorham’s Backyard multicultural • professional • multidisciplinary arts TO: Mr. Manuel Escobar, Chair Urban Renewal Board CC: Mr. Travis Perlman FROM: Harold McMillan RE: Status of License Agreement Chairman Escobar: Greetings. I am writing to discuss the status of our License Agreement with the URB. As you are aware, our renewal traditionally would be coming up for consideration prior to the end of September 2022. Generally I would be writing to you at this time of the year to request an audience with the Board to formally request a normal renewal of our Agreement. Being keenly aware that this year is also the timeframe within which the URB and AEDC will complete crafting and ultimately releasing the RFP for development of Block 18, I am writing to request renewal that is compatible with the timeline for the RFP process. I am familiar with the RFP process and potential timeline often associated with going from release of the RFP to actual transfer of property to the winning submission. It is our request that our Agreement is renewed for FY 2023 and perhaps amended to include language that indicates that we are aware that the property is subject to sell and/or transfer at some point in the next 12-18 months. We would only ask that there is some accommodation that includes language stating that we would be given ‘reasonable notice and a considerate timeframe’ in which to vacate the premises. It is my hope that this is a reasonable request that is inline with your current thinking on how we move forward. I am not sure of how the internal workings of the URB and Planning and Housing would need to deal with this, other than receipt of this request as our ‘official’ ask. I am resubmitting this request in the event that this issue is an agenda action item at the August meeting and my attendance is requested. Please acknowledge receipt and advise. Best, <Digital signature via email:director@diversearts.org> Harold McMillan DiverseArts Culture Works 904 juniper street • austin, tx 78702 usa www.diversearts.org • director@diversearts.org Director/Founder DiverseArts Culture Works Kenny Dorham’s Backyard East Austin Creative Coalition