Piedmont Council OKs Lease for Arts Center

The Piedmont City Council on Monday night unanimously gave its first approval to a lease agreement with the to take over the former Christian Science church.

The ordinance empowering the lease agreement is due to get its second reading May 2, with $1-a-year lease to take effect 30 days after that for the Magnolia Avenue fixer-upper.

The lease agreement is drafted for 10 years, with an arrangement for a one-year notice of termination after seven years if the city decides to look at other options for the property. In such a case, the city would be liable to repay the Center for the Arts nonprofit group for any unamortized improvements that had been made.

The group plans to make extensive repairs, estimated at $85,000, come early June, including roof, wiring, plumbing, painting, a furnace and more.

With the seven-year notice, “I’ll take it back to our board,” Tom Lehrkind of the Center for the Arts organization, told the council. “We’ll put it into words and stare at it for a while. We can live with that ... In order to get people to contribute, we need a large window there. We’re trying to build an institution.”

Two residents spoke in favor of the new center for the arts.

“I’ve long wondered why this wonderful old building lay abandoned,” said Carol Parker. “I strongly encourage the council to approve this.”

Steven Nevius said he thought Piedmont could use more arts opportunities for elementary and middle school-aged children. “I really see this unlocking of potential that the arts offer kids,” he said.

Chester Nakahara, interim director of public works, said the city should repair or replace the sewer lateral for the property at a cost of $2,500 to $8,000, depending on its length and condition. “As the landlord, we feel we should do that,” said Nakahara.

Upon questioning by Councilwoman Margaret Fujioka, Nakahara said he expected that would be the only city expenditure in order to bring the building up to code.