WARREN Trustees plan hall finances

The Packard Park board will apply for federal money to meet ADA compliance.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Creating a ticket office and applying for a liquor license are among initiatives being planned by Packard Park trustees to boost music hall revenues.
The board continued its discussions Monday about music hall finances. It faces a June 30 deadline to come up with a plan to operate without city subsidies.
The city gave the hall $75,000 to help it operate for the first six months this year. If a financial plan is agreed upon, the city has said it will kick in another $75,000.
Trustees are working with officials at Kent State University Trumbull Campus on a possible partnership. A consultant and architects are also helping with planning.
Board president John Bentz said officials will look into applying for a liquor license to generate revenue.
"If we can do it, great," Bentz said, noting trustees won't pursue a license if it causes a stir.
Potential problem: Vice president Linda Metzendorf said obtaining a license might be a problem because the music hall on Mahoning Avenue is close to Turner Elementary School.
A ticket office has been in the works for a few years, but capital improvement funds set aside last year were used instead to help open city parks that were closed in January 2000 because of budget cuts.
Bentz said the board is not sure yet whether capital improvement funds will soon be available.
Community outreach: A steering committee of Packard and KSUTC officials is also looking at establishing a nonprofit Friends of Packard Music Hall group to generate support from the community.
Metzendorf said a mission statement for the group will soon be drafted.
Trustees have called a special meeting for 10 a.m. Wednesday to consider a resolution to apply for a federal Community Development Block Grant to make hall improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The city's deadline for 2002 CDBG applications is Friday.
The steering committee will meet at 9 a.m. June 4 to continue discussions.