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Price Barbershop stabilization completed; city funds cover early phases amid questions over operating partner
Summary
City staff reported EPA‑approved contamination abatement and roof stabilization work at the Price Barbershop, with phase‑1 costs around $395,658 and an estimated total across phases of $1,160,000 funded from the tourism/product fund; board members pressed for clear community engagement and clarity on whether FOA or another nonprofit will operate the museum and community space.
Economic development staff updated the board that contamination abatement at the Price Barbershop has been completed with EPA approval and that a roof assessment showed the building needs stabilization work to prevent further deterioration.
"Phase 1 much of the work...comes about $395,658," the economic development representative said, and added that the total across phases 1–3 is budgeted at approximately $1,160,000, with the tourism and product fund identified as the funding source for early phases. Staff said phase 1 will cover stabilization, roof repairs and initial design coordination with Access Infrastructure, the architect selected for the project.
Board members repeatedly asked how the community and community organizations — including FOA and 1 Square Mile — would be involved in design and long‑term operation. A board member said FOA reported difficulty getting clear answers from the authority and asked that legal and staff follow up; attorney Wiley and staff said the owners of the property and the authority would need to coordinate and, where appropriate, develop MOUs to formalize partnerships.
Board discussion also touched on the owner/authority relationship: staff noted the city has provided the funds that paid for remediation and design work to date and that the development authority owns the property, so coordination between owner (the authority), staff and any potential operating partners will be required.
What happens next: staff will provide additional documentation, renderings and an outreach plan to ensure community groups can review designs; the board asked for a clear historical record of prior motions and agreements regarding the property so new members can understand the decision history.
