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Board opts not to buy Plaza 618 sculpture, will end lease and seek new options
Summary
The board voted to end the two-year lease on the Plaza 618 sculpture rather than purchase it for $4,000; members asked staff to solicit local artists and bring replacement options before the board.
The Leaport Urban Enterprise Association decided not to purchase a leased sculpture in Plaza 618 and instead will end the current two-year lease and solicit replacement options.
Staff told the board the existing arrangement is a two-year lease with two payments of $1,500; the artist offered to sell the piece outright for $4,000 (which would bring the association’s total cost to $5,500 after prior payments). One board member moved to end the association’s relationship with the sculpture at the lease’s end rather than purchase it; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
Board members said they prefer selecting a replacement piece from a local or regional artist and asked staff to request options from the VZN Center so a new sculpture can be selected before the current piece is removed for the Christmas-tree installation. Staff noted that installation and removal logistics involve the street department and that ownership would make the association fully responsible for future moves and maintenance.
The board’s action ends only the relationship with the current sculpture at lease expiration; no purchase will be made. Staff will ask the VZN Center to return with several alternative proposals for board consideration.
