249 replies to this topic

[bubba72704]

I know I'm in the minority here, but I'm in favor of the decision.  Fayetteville will still be great -- regardless of what happens with the WAC on Dixon Street.  Of course, we don't know what this performing arts center will look like yet, but my guess is that it wouldn't mesh well with the downtown Fayetteville culture.   (i..e. Fayetteville = young, funky, bohemian, college-centric....  Bentonville = upper middle-class, yuppie, conservative, corporate)

I would respectfully argue that having more than one cultural center in the region will benefit the region as a whole.  And while I love Fayetteville, I'm really excited to see Downtown Bentonville come into it's own.  With Crystal Bridges coming online next year, not to mention all the money the city is pouring into the revitalization of their downtown district, and now this future facility, I can't wait to see what kind of restaurants, bars, and hotels are soon to follow.  

I can understand why Fayetteville residents are unhappy, but maybe a little cultural competition will do us good.

[Mith242]

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the U of A isn't supporting the idea of suing the WAC or challenging the decision.  Seeing as they've gotten lots of donations from the Waltons they aren't going to bite the hand that feeds them.  I saw an annoying editorial written by someone in the local paper today.  They slammed Kit Williams for even thinking about challenging the WAC decision.  They mentioned how the U of A didn't have a problem with it.  Of course they left out the fact that they've received millions from the Waltons so of course they aren't going to challenge it.  They even recommended that Kit Williams needs to worry more about what's best for the area and region.  Never mind the fact he's elected to look out for Fayetteville's interest.  While I doubt anything will come of this challenge he and the city of Fayetteville have every right to look into the matter.  I imagine people outside of Fayetteville have a different perspective of the whole thing.  Especially those in Benton County.  Multiple parties initiated the WAC.  And now a decision has been made that does not benefit all of those parties, in particular Fayetteville.  For that matter I think it would benefit the U of A more if it was also to be left in Fayetteville.  But as previously mentioned, they aren't going to make a big deal about it and risk any future donations.  In the long run there may not be a lot Fayetteville can do about it, I don't know.  But to have people questioning why Kit Williams and Fayetteville is considering looking at ways to challenge this seem to be looking at the world through rose colored glasses.  So let's suggest this hypothetical situation.  Ten to fifteen years down the road Crystal Bridges decides, they're going to build a second museum, this time in Fayetteville.  They're going to leave artwork at the Bentonville location, but the top American masterpieces will be shipped down to Fayetteville for the new location.  So under this scenario we should expect Bentonville to welcome this decision with open arms, because hey it benefits the entire region.  
Now I don't blame people in Benton County being excited about the WAC decision.  I can understand they're happy to see a facility being built closer to their part of the metro.  What I don't get is how people don't seem to think Fayetteville should feel slighted considering it helped set up the original WAC in the first place.

[comreguy]

Mith242, on 06 December 2010 - 04:07 PM, said:

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the U of A isn't supporting the idea of suing the WAC or challenging the decision.  Seeing as they've gotten lots of donations from the Waltons they aren't going to bite the hand that feeds them.  I saw an annoying editorial written by someone in the local paper today.  They slammed Kit Williams for even thinking about challenging the WAC decision.  They mentioned how the U of A didn't have a problem with it.  Of course they left out the fact that they've received millions from the Waltons so of course they aren't going to challenge it.  They even recommended that Kit Williams needs to worry more about what's best for the area and region.  Never mind the fact he's elected to look out for Fayetteville's interest.  While I doubt anything will come of this challenge he and the city of Fayetteville have every right to look into the matter.  I imagine people outside of Fayetteville have a different perspective of the whole thing.  Especially those in Benton County.  Multiple parties initiated the WAC.  And now a decision has been made that does not benefit all of those parties, in particular Fayetteville.  For that matter I think it would benefit the U of A more if it was also to be left in Fayetteville.  But as previously mentioned, they aren't going to make a big deal about it and risk any future donations.  In the long run there may not be a lot Fayetteville can do about it, I don't know.  But to have people questioning why Kit Williams and Fayetteville is considering looking at ways to challenge this seem to be looking at the world through rose colored glasses.  So let's suggest this hypothetical situation.  Ten to fifteen years down the road Crystal Bridges decides, they're going to build a second museum, this time in Fayetteville.  They're going to leave artwork at the Bentonville location, but the top American masterpieces will be shipped down to Fayetteville for the new location.  So under this scenario we should expect Bentonville to welcome this decision with open arms, because hey it benefits the entire region.  
Now I don't blame people in Benton County being excited about the WAC decision.  I can understand they're happy to see a facility being built closer to their part of the metro.  What I don't get is how people don't seem to think Fayetteville should feel slighted considering it helped set up the original WAC in the first place.

Well said and I cosign your thoughts.

[zman9810]

I wonder if the fact that the U of A will also be able to use the current facility more often plays a role in their support of the decision. Instead of having to build a new theater on campus they will have the use of a nice hall just off campus.

[Mith242]

zman9810, on 06 December 2010 - 07:57 PM, said:

I wonder if the fact that the U of A will also be able to use the current facility more often plays a role in their support of the decision. Instead of having to build a new theater on campus they will have the use of a nice hall just off campus.

That's an interesting point as well.

[Mith242]

I figured it was a long shot anyway.  But looks like a potential lawsuit against the WAC doesn't have much support.  Mayor Jordan doesn't support it and sounds like one Council member doesn't either.  Despite my anger towards the WAC I have to admit I'm not sure if a lawsuit would accomplish much.  Although I don't blame Kit Williams, he was doing his job and I think that option needed to be brought up.  Some seem to have portrayed Kit Williams as a horrible person for even bringing the subject up.  To be honest I think he's actually right.  I think the WAC hasn't lived up to the initial agreement that set up the whole situation.  But at this point I don't think a lawsuit will do much good.  If the Waltons really want a 2200 seat theater in Bentonville they're going to get it.  I do think Fayetteville needs to keep it's options open though.  I think it's somewhat obvious that the WAC doesn't have Fayetteville's best interest at heart.

[zman9810]

Mith242, on 08 December 2010 - 06:39 PM, said:

I figured it was a long shot anyway.  But looks like a potential lawsuit against the WAC doesn't have much support.  Mayor Jordan doesn't support it and sounds like one Council member doesn't either.  Despite my anger towards the WAC I have to admit I'm not sure if a lawsuit would accomplish much.  Although I don't blame Kit Williams, he was doing his job and I think that option needed to be brought up.  Some seem to have portrayed Kit Williams as a horrible person for even bringing the subject up.  To be honest I think he's actually right.  I think the WAC hasn't lived up to the initial agreement that set up the whole situation.  But at this point I don't think a lawsuit will do much good.  If the Waltons really want a 2200 seat theater in Bentonville they're going to get it.  I do think Fayetteville needs to keep it's options open though.  I think it's somewhat obvious that the WAC doesn't have Fayetteville's best interest at heart.

One of the sad aspects of this is that it shows what a "company town" NWA is. Even though NWA has a population of over 400,000 one group of wealthy people seem to be calling all the shots and almost no one is willing to cross them. I guess it is something that has been quietly known all along but this has really brought it out in the open. Most disturbing is the fact that they don't even seem to care about how it exposes them.  It is being done with such arrogance that it is a little scary for the future - what next will they decide for us?

[LRguy21]

zman9810, on 08 December 2010 - 09:30 PM, said:

One of the sad aspects of this is that it shows what a "company town" NWA is. Even though NWA has a population of over 400,000 one group of wealthy people seem to be calling all the shots and almost no one is willing to cross them. I guess it is something that has been quietly known all along but this has really brought it out in the open. Most disturbing is the fact that they don't even seem to care about how it exposes them.  It is being done with such arrogance that it is a little scary for the future - what next will they decide for us?

Because no one is willing to cross the evil empire. Why don't you think the U of A is up in arms about the move. Many of the student i've talked to about it are mad and as a student that gets season tickets every year, im mad too.  They, as i also, arn't going to drive 30 mins to see a play.

Whats even more scary is how "they" hold the entire future of NWA in the palm of their hand and at any minute, they could pull the plug. Im sorry to say this, but karma is a b!tch. I know fayetteville has had it good for a long time and its good to share the wealth with the rest of the metro, but greed is a sin and therefor, what comes around, goes around. There is a reason that NWA is in such a housing mess. IMO, The move will hurt them. They already have a strong following here, why not just build upon it.

Fayetteville in my mind, is no metro, but at least its not one suburb after another. Dickson st. is a one of a kind in Arkansas and no matter how much every other city wants one, it isn't going to happen. I'm from little rock and let me tell you how hard the river market is trying to push themselves to be a Dickson of central arkansas. you cant do it without the young college clientele, the young professionals and the living environment. Fayetteville in my mind, is way more progressive than Bentonville/rogers. What i'm interested to see is when the new one opens, is there going to be a change in program. Is there still going to be some of the more provocative plays like spring awakening in a county that is still a dry county. Do they think we live under a rock like some of the city politicians do??  There is no way that we will get the same programs that we have had in the past. The new one will be getting Mama Mia, color purple and will will be getting some crappy, under funded play.

Im not trying to bash Benton county, but your getting the art museum, leave the performing arts for the south end of the metro.

[Mith242]

LRguy21, on 08 December 2010 - 10:05 PM, said:

Because no one is willing to cross the evil empire. Why don't you think the U of A is up in arms about the move. Many of the student i've talked to about it are mad and as a student that gets season tickets every year, im mad too.  They, as i also, arn't going to drive 30 mins to see a play.

Whats even more scary is how "they" hold the entire future of NWA in the palm of their hand and at any minute, they could pull the plug. Im sorry to say this, but karma is a b!tch. I know fayetteville has had it good for a long time and its good to share the wealth with the rest of the metro, but greed is a sin and therefor, what comes around, goes around. There is a reason that NWA is in such a housing mess. IMO, The move will hurt them. They already have a strong following here, why not just build upon it.

Fayetteville in my mind, is no metro, but at least its not one suburb after another. Dickson st. is a one of a kind in Arkansas and no matter how much every other city wants one, it isn't going to happen. I'm from little rock and let me tell you how hard the river market is trying to push themselves to be a Dickson of central arkansas. you cant do it without the young college clientele, the young professionals and the living environment. Fayetteville in my mind, is way more progressive than Bentonville/rogers. What i'm interested to see is when the new one opens, is there going to be a change in program. Is there still going to be some of the more provocative plays like spring awakening in a county that is still a dry county. Do they think we live under a rock like some of the city politicians do??  There is no way that we will get the same programs that we have had in the past. The new one will be getting Mama Mia, color purple and will will be getting some crappy, under funded play.

Im not trying to bash Benton county, but your getting the art museum, leave the performing arts for the south end of the metro.

Yeah NWA overall is known for being rather conservative, especially politically speaking.  With the exception of Fayetteville of course.  Fayetteville is like other college towns more progressive and liberal.  While Fayetteville will certainly lose the 'big performances' to up north, I think many are hoping Fayetteville will get the more 'progressive and artsy' acts.  If Bentonville is going to try to create their own Dickson St it won't happen.  As you said, they don't have the same crowd that Fayetteville has.  I'm not saying Bentonville can't create it's own nice entertainment district.  But it's going to have to be it's own thing.  It can't be another Dickson St.  As far as locations go in Bentonville this new WAC facility better be going in near Crystal Bridges.  Otherwise I think this is an even bigger waste.  While downtown Bentonville has been mentioned some other locations, say closer to I-540, haven't totally been ruled out yet.  Assuming the new WAC goes in near Crystal Bridges.  I am curious what long term effects that area will create.  I don't think anyone really knew that Dickson St was going to evolve into what it is now.

[zman9810]

It looks like Fayetteville has been completely beat down on this- besides the city attorney and a couple of city council members no one is stepping forward to be an advocate for the city and it's best interests. There will be no litigation from the city and even an attempt to renegotitate the agreement between the city, university and the WAC didn't succeed. The end result is that Fayetteville will have to rely on the questionable good will of the WAC until 2017 when the current lease agreement expires. By then it should be evident as to whether or not the WAC is living up to it's promises and if their continued control of the Fayetteville facility is in the city's best interests.

It keeps being repeated over and over about how Fayetteville needs to be looking at this situation from a regional view point but no one explains how losing the major performing arts center of the region is a good thing for the city. No one explains how the WFF demand that the new major PAC be built in Bentonville is a regional way of looking at it. If it is a regional positive does that mean that the sales tax revenue increase that Bentonville receives will be shared with Fayetteville? Will the businesses in Fayetteville also reap the riches that those in Bentonville do or will their sales decrease? When all the newly available seats become harder to fill will the Fayetteville facility be first in line for events to fill them?