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The City Council can pass ordinances that would restrict parking during events or even require permit parking similar to the streets around the high school. Staff hopes that event parking would not be a problem, though this is definitely something that can be brought forward in the future for further discussion.
At this time, lighting is not intended to be placed along the roadway. The Hengst Foundation will certainly include lighting for the amphitheater site, but the City does not see a huge need for pedestrian-level lighting along the roadway until more development is planned.
There will likely be a bike path along the north side of the City roadway. The Hengst Foundation’s concept work has also included different paths around their facility and the detention pond. These will be designed further if the project moves forward.
The amphitheater has a 5-year projected ramp-up timeframe before it is running at peak efficiency. During this time, if there is additional development on the properties adjacent to the roadway, traffic may warrant building Wellington. This would mean that things are really successful on this property. In the meantime, for 10-12 nights a year, there will be additional traffic for a few hours on some Friday and Saturday nights along Dallas and US 24, similar to when WCHS hosts larger events. The new intersection can also be adjusted to accommodate two left turns for westbound US 24 and northbound Dallas in the future if traffic warrants.
The developer’s design team will have to obey all state drainage laws, so they will not be able to adjust where the water flows from their site. They will be required to design the drainage to maintain current flow patterns as well as to size a detention basin to limit the downstream impact.
The Council discussed there being a referendum but made the determination that it is their job as a City Council to vote on behalf of the residents. The City’s infrastructure investment is not a huge dollar amount when compared to Freedom Parkway, Dallas Road, or even the combination of Hilldale Avenue and Catherine Street projects. No public input was requested on those and they are more expensive.
It is unlikely that the City of Peoria or any other municipality would invest in another City’s infrastructure. The amphitheater itself is being donated by The Hengst Foundation and the City is only being asked to build the road, water, and sewer that services the entire property, not just the amphitheater.
There has not been a formal request or discussion with the City Council regarding if the City will sell or lease the property. The City has requested appraisals for the property, which should be completed in the next few weeks.
At this time, there are no plans for any future open houses.
The City would be in conversations with developers about how the road should be orientated, but the City would not likely build the road without some sort of development commitment. This is largely why it is has remained as a field since it was purchased.
A retention pond is an actual wet pond that stores storm water above the normal water line. A detention pond is a dry basin that is only storing water during rain events. At this time, it has not been determined if the ponds will be wet or dry. If the City is expected to do future maintenance, we would prefer it be a dry detention pond to make maintenance easier.
The City Attorney provided a legal opinion on this question to the City Council.
The roadway and infrastructure that tie Dallas Road to the amphitheater is estimated to be around $3.5 million, of which only $2.55 million will come from the general fund. There are enough reserve funds to cover this project that have been saved on past capital projects.
The Foundation will be responsible for supplying and paying for security for the events.
The City of Washington is only responsible for the construction of the roadway and utility infrastructure.
Benefactor Jim Hengst wishes to build an indoor/outdoor performing arts amphitheater in honor of his late wife Dee. He hopes that this will attract hundreds of thousands of concert-goers and visitors from across the area, region and country – benefitting The Five Points, and all commerce in Washington as well as schools, parks, streets and Washington legacy.
The Hengst Foundation will hire a management company that will be responsible for the day-to-day operation, security, and talent procurement.
The management company employed by the Hengst Foundation will be responsible for contracting with public safety.
The Hengst Foundation intends to establish an endowment fund similar to other museums and art facilities. The interest from any endowment would be used to fund any shortfalls. The Hengst Foundation is also a not-for-profit, so the amphitheater project is intended to be as close to a net zero project as possible.
The Hengst Foundation intends to Lease 20 acres, up to 40 acres. TBD
There were a wide range of feelings and concerns. While many of the concerns were around noise levels, there were also neighbors excited to sit outside and listen to music. Overall, it felt more positive than negative at the open house.
The Hengst Foundation is self-funded.
However, each of the above mentioned will benefit by the successes of The Dee Amphitheater for decades to come.
The City Council and City staff will evaluate ordinances regarding parking as discussions continue with the Hengst Foundation.
The City Council is elected to make difficult decisions on behalf of the City and their constituents. The developer has come to the Council and the Council is acting as they would on any development request regardless of the time of year or proximity to an election.
World renowned expertise.
The City Council has previously discussed the idea of a referendum, but ultimately a majority of the Council felt that they were elected to make difficult decisions on behalf of the City and their constituents.
The Hengst Foundation will be responsible for the long-term success of the facility. As the owner of the facility, the Foundation will be required to make up any shortcomings.
A simple majority Vote in Favor by the City Council.
All Hengst Foundation Board decisions are made by a simple majority of it’s members, after fair and in depth discussion.
The City Code as it pertains to noise levels, is more directed at industrial-zoned properties. Current noise regulations are more targeted to hours of operation. A noise study has shown that the projected amplified sound levels would be more than State noise limits and additional attenuation options must be investigated. The amphitheater design team is exploring various attenuation alternatives to reduce the sound impact as measured at nearby properties.
The property is currently zoned R-1A, which is a single-family residential zoning district. The property would need to be rezoned before development can occur.
The City Council is elected to make difficult decisions on behalf of the city and their constituents. The developer has come to the council and the council is acting as they would on any development request regardless of the time of year or proximity to an election.
The City Council and City staff will evaluate ordinances regarding additional sound and parking regulations as discussions continue with the Hengst Foundation.
Into perpetuity
The Dee Amphitheater name will remain. However, a myriad of Private and Corporate “Naming Rights” opportunities will be available in the months and yrs ahead.
The Hengst Foundation has not involved the Park District with this project at the current time.
The City Council reviews the contract with the Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau periodically. This can be discussed at the next contract negotiation. The PACVB aims to promote tourism not only in Washington but throughout the region.
The City has not had many discussions yet with prospective developers. City staff is interested in releasing a request for proposals to developers if the City Council decides to move forward with the infrastructure to better understand what the interest and market is for development.
The Hengst Foundation will hire a management company that will be responsible for the day-to-day operation, security, and talent procurement. The Hengst Foundation will be responsible for the employment of the management company in perpetuity.