WASHINGTON, Ill. – The city of Washington is putting a proposed amphitheater project on the back burner, for the time being.
The proposed 5,000-seat amphitheater from the Hengst Foundation would be located on U.S. Route 24 and Nofsinger Road. It would feature a pavilion, community event space, and space for future development. Washington High alumnus Jim Hengst is donating $12 million to the project.
The Hengst Foundation sent a Letter of Intent to the city last month, with the goal of getting the project approved by council and underway.
Details of the agreement include what the foundation and the city would provide. It asks for the city to build a roadway with storm sewers, lighting, and bicycle access; as well as rezoning. The foundation says construction would begin within 90 days of approval.
The cost estimate of building the roadways and utilities is around $3.5 million, with the money to be recouped over 15 years. Engineering for the work would cost around $300,000.
Mayor Lilija Stevens says she did not see the LOI until the day after she was sworn-in. She brought it up as a discussion item at Monday’s city council meeting, as part of transparency with the public. But Stevens says her stance on the project is unchanged, and put the project on pause.
“We have a brand new city council, we need to find out where we want to go as a city council,” Stevens said. “And that’s why this goal setting session that is in the planning stages is very important.”
A date for the goal setting session has not been set up.
Alderman would also like more information on the project, via an independent study. Ward IV Alderman John Blundy says he appreciates a feasibility study by Hengst, but it doesn’t answer all the questions.
“The thought that always comes to mind is that’s like when they ask tobacco companies to do cancer research. Well, of course, they come back and say smoking’s fine for you,” Blundy said. “It represents the interest of the foundation, not the interest of the taxpayers.”
Ward III Alderman Brandon Moss suggested a sound study, as well as an operating endowment for the amphitheater. Ward I Alderwoman Paula Johnson says it’s premature to decide what to do with the property before the goal setting session.
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