Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Crescent Theatre Dispute topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Crescent Theatre owner alleges hostile takeover; city attorney says matter appears private
Summary
Owner Trey Williams told the council that chains were put on the Crescent Theatre door and alleged improper business practices; city officials stated the dispute appears to be a private matter and outside routine city oversight unless licensing or permitting issues arise.
Trey Williams, who identified himself as the owner of the Crescent Theatre, told the Mobile City Council on July 22 that he believes his business suffered an "attempted hostile takeover" and that chains were placed on the theater—s door the day before a scheduled screening.
Williams said he returned from working in California to open media programs at the Crescent and that he invested time and money to renovate and operate the theater. “This is state of Alabama tax. I have to pay taxes to the state of Alabama. I had to pay to get Crescent Theater, the LLC,” Williams said, adding that he believes others sought to replace his programming arrangements.
Several council speakers in public comment defended Williams and said the owner of the building has a history of problematic behavior. City Attorney Centresse told the council the matter "appears to be a private dispute" and that city staff would look into licensing or permitting questions but, absent that, the city has no role in private landlord-tenant or business disputes.
Council members and staff said they would review licensing or permitting matters if evidence is presented, but they emphasized that the city does not generally intervene in private contractual disputes between businesses and property owners.
No formal council action or city enforcement was announced at the meeting relating to the Crescent Theatre dispute.
