Dear Friends of the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra and May Festival:
Music Hall and Union Terminal are iconic regional landmarks and vibrant community gathering places in dire need of restoration, renovation and repair.
The issues associated with both of these facilities are not new, and our community has long been searching for a comprehensive solution to preserve these icons for future generations. In the coming days and weeks, we will issue a series of communications to keep you up-to-date on recent developments. The coming days will be critical to the future of these treasured buildings.
Today, I write to you to provide some additional context on the proposed Hamilton County quarter-cent sales tax levy that is now being actively debated. This proposal was made by the Cultural Facilities Task Force, a group of twenty-two impartial, independent community leaders. This independent task force had two objectives:
- Review and recommend the most cost effective project scopes and budgets for both Music Hall and Union Terminal; and,
- Develop a viable funding approach that allows these projects to proceed.
This expert team has worked over a period of eight months and invested more than 5,000 professional hours in developing its final recommendation.
The task force recommended a balanced private-public funding solution that includes a combination of private support, local and State funding, tax credits and this proposed quarter-cent sales tax increase. This comprehensive solution would ensure that these facilities and their resident assets continue to inspire and engage well into the future.
Members of the Cultural Facilities Task Force were recently interviewed by Dan Hurley on Local 12’s Newsmakers program. Wick Ach, Tim Maloney and Murray Sinclaire gave a thorough explanation of the process of independently reviewing alternatives for Union Terminal and costs of construction for Union Terminal and Music Hall; private fundraising to support these efforts; and how the Task Force concluded that a quarter-cent sales tax increase would be the optimal way for the region to finance the needs of these icons. Click here to see the July 13 show
Additionally, last week the Cincinnati Enquirer provided this guide to what you should know about the proposed “icon tax.” Click here to read “Icon Tax: Five Things to Know”
As the community discussion continues it is important to share your voice with the Hamilton County Commissioners. Please contact the Hamilton County Commissioners with this simple message: Thank them for their leadership in addressing these long-standing issues and, importantly, ask them to allow the citizens of Hamilton County the opportunity to review and vote on this proposed plan in November.
We believe that the citizens of Hamilton County should be given the opportunity to vote on this recommendation.
Commissioner Greg Hartmann: (513) 946-4406, greg.hartmann@hamilton-co.org
Commissioner Todd Portune: (513) 946-4401, todd.portune@hamilton-co.org
Commissioner Chris Monzel: (513) 946-4409, chris.monzel@hamilton-co.org
We will continue to provide updates to you, but more information is available at the Save Our Icons website www.saveouricons.org.
Thank you for being an advocate for the Orchestra and May Festival, and this important community initiative to preserve Music Hall and Union Terminal.
Sincerely,
Trey Devey
President
Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra
May Festival
P.S. We are grateful to the County Commissioners for holding public hearings and would encourage you to attend and speak out on behalf of our treasured Music Hall and Union Terminal at the next public meeting on Wednesday, July 23 at 6:30 pm at the Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246. This promises to be an informative session and your presence would be deeply appreciated. If you’re able to attend, please RSVP by clicking here.
