A controversial proposal to build a $12 million, 5,000-seat amphitheater on vacant city property in Washington is apparently off the table.
In a letter delivered June 2 to Washington City Attorney Mark Walton, Bob Brown, a lawyer representing the Hengst Foundation, said the foundation's April 28 letter of intent to construct and operate the amphitheater on the city's "223" property off U.S. Route 24 and Nofsinger Road is being withdrawn.
The reason given by Brown for the withdrawal is the city "has not accepted or executed the letter of intent and has not delivered any acceptance to the foundation."
City officials have not rejected the amphitheater proposal.
The foundation's letter of intent was made public and discussed by the City Council and city staff at the council's May 19 meeting.
The council and staff agreed to delay a decision on the amphitheater project until after the council holds a goal-setting and strategic planning session later this year, and the city does its own project feasibility and sound studies.
The makeup of the current council is substantially different than the one that previously discussed and debated the amphitheater project.
Four of the eight alderpersons are new to the council following the April 1 election. Former alderperson Lilija Stevens was elected mayor, replacing 24-year incumbent Gary Manier, who did not run for re-election.
Brown's letter is on the agenda for discussion at Monday's council committee of the whole meeting.
The Hengst Foundation was created and funding for the project was donated by former Washington resident Jim Hengst, who wants to build the amphitheater to honor his late wife Dee.
The project has faced substantial pushback from city residents, based on public comments at council meetings and social media posts.
Residents have expressed concerns about the city's estimated $3.5 million investment for infrastructure and road work at the project site, and potential sound and traffic issues in neighborhoods near the proposed amphitheater. They've also questioned the findings of project feasibility and sound studies done by the foundation.
A May 27 submission date for the foundation's letter of intent was incorrectly referenced on Brown's letter to the city. Interim City Administrator Dennis Carr said the error will be corrected.
