Victoria MN Newspaper-City Scoop

VICTORIA COUNCIL LIKES BAND STAND

CITIZENS LED BY FORMER MAYOR MARY THUN

Council voted 4-1 on September 23rd in support of a Band Stand being constructed on the south shore of Stieger Lake in downtown Victoria, across the street from Vic's Bar and Grill and the Victoria House. Councilmember Joe Pavelko cast the nay vote, approving instead the "concept" of a Band Stand rather than its "construction."

The property is owned by Three Rivers Park District. The Band Stand would be constructed and donated by private donors with "the intent to convey the structure to the City of Victoria through the Three Rivers Park District."

As Victoria Parks and Rec Director Ann Mahnke stated, "A private group would like to construct and figure out a way to donate it to the city through Three Rivers. The Park, the County, and the Watershed have all expressed some level of support."

"Our Master Plan speaks about having an Urban Park," said Ann. "This would contribute to making downtown a destination. Stieger Lake is a beautiful location and a wonderful backdrop for a Band Stand. The county will be paving the trail there from Kirke Lachen Park to the Public Access on Stieger Lake. A private group would contribute the landscaping."

Ann said there are stormwater/wetland issues to get through. "There are hurdles to cross," she said. "This is the first step in moving forward. Mary Hershberger Thun is the person spearheading this group."

Said Councilmember Tom Strigel, "This is a pretty location that is under-uilized. I thank the citizen group that is championing this. I think it's terrific."

Said Mayor Tom O'Connor, "This would be a dramatic improvement for a gathering space down there.

Responding to questions about use of the Band Stand, Ann said that currently the city holds from 5 to 8 concerts/year in Lions Park from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. "There have been requests for some concerts to be held on Sunday afternoons or evenings," she added. These concerts would be moved to the Band Stand.

"The Volksfest would also utilize this space in some manner," said Ann. "We certainly don't see late loud music there. We could work on some parameters. The intent is not to have this as a rock band hall."

Said Councilmember Joe Pavelko, "I commend the citizens for this. It [citizen effort] would also be a great way to get a library."

Stated Holly Kreft, Victoria Community Development Director, "A public hearing is not required for this, but we could hold an Open House as the process continues."

City Attorney Mike Norton suggested that a ground lease may be the way to get the Band Stand constructed on Three Rivers property. "The city would be accepting responsibility for its management. Three Rivers would want to weigh in on guidelines," he said.

Said Councilmember Lani Basa, "This is a fabulous example of citizens stepping up. I think it's fabulous."

A resident at the Stieger Lake condos stepped forward with concerns. "I have a petition here with 13 signatures," said Gary Heidebrink. "We are currently subjected to noise from two establishments. We fear your good intentions will be supplanted ...

"We're worried that somebody will come along and say this facility should pay for itself. It's too close to Vic's. Mary Thun made a presentation to the condo group and said maybe it would be a good place for a wedding. I don't believe there's enough privacy there ... The idea is grand but it's not a good location. I think if it's built with that design, it'll entice the climbing abilities of our youth."

Replied Mayor O'Connor, "We'll work with you to keep everything consistent with the intent of this project."

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