Art is an attempt to revamp city

In the April 8, 2006 edition of the Burbank Leader, two residents expressed their reservations regarding the proposal to place an Art in Public Places piece at the corner of Victory Boulevard and Burbank Boulevard, stating that the $300,000 set aside for the art piece could be better utilized.

While I certainly agree that there are countless important issues to which the city should dedicate funds, I would like to clarify how public art pieces are funded in Burbank. The city does not have to take money away from other critical programs in order to spend funds on art pieces. In 1993, the City Council implemented an Art in Public Places ordinance, which requires developments with a construction budget more than $500,000 to contribute 1% of the total development cost toward an Art in Public Places piece. Developers who decide not to install an art piece at the site of their project must contribute their 1% obligation to the Public Art Fund. Currently, there is approximately $583,125 in the fund. Half of the cost of the Victory/Burbank Boulevard art piece, or $150,000, will come out of the Public Art Fund.

The remaining $150,000 for the Victory/Burbank Boulevard art piece will come from Redevelopment Agency funds.

These funds can only be used to support efforts to revitalize and beautify our community, and the revitalization of the Burbank Boulevard commercial corridor is a critical goal for the Redevelopment Agency. The art piece will serve as a gateway to Burbank Boulevard and all of the commercial activity that takes place there.

The City Council in 1993 showed tremendous foresight and an understanding of how public art can enhance the confidence, vitality, optimism, and beauty of the community. Burbank is fortunate to have such an outstanding Art in Public Places program.