County vision ignores DeWitt's potential

The lawsuit against the government center master plan EIR does not target the Mercy Housing project. Instead, it focuses on reuse of existing DeWitt National Register listed buildings for community uses. This lawsuit was the last option in the system of checks and balances available for citizens to be heard. The county's "provision" allowing for the DeWitt Theater to be saved is a misnomer. The provision states, "Projects within the mixed use designation that identify removal of the theater shall be subject to a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors. This provision shall sunset on July 1, 2021." This does not prevent demolition during the two-year period and does not provide adequate assurances to potential nonprofit entities interested in reuse of the theater. The community would lose options for the theater and other important historic buildings if we did not act. For instance, the government center EIR presented two environmentally superior alternatives retaining the theater and including the multi-family Mercy Housing project. One alternative even included additional housing. Yet, the county chose not to proceed with either of these two options. Rather, the county approved demolition of the theater and other buildings to make way for private commercial development on public land despite its market analysis concluding that there is low financial feasibility and no demonstrated need for new commercial development. Furthermore, the county conducted a feasibility study for a multi-generational community center in response to the closure of the senior center, theater, and swimming pool at DeWitt. The study proposed two sites 1) DeWitt and 2) Parkside Church/Regional Park. The overflight zone at Parkside Church prohibits a community pool and limits the number of occupants utilizing the church site. The study shows the cost of new construction projects at DeWitt: community center $18 million, theater $5.5 million, outdoor pool $3.5 to $5 million. None of these facilities, including the ones at Parkside Church, appear on the County's Capital Facilities Plan. Unfortunately, the county did not evaluate the most cost-effective option: restore and reuse the existing buildings at DeWitt. The DeWitt center has great potential to be a unique community focal point for North Auburn. It is a natural fit for a center for the community and affordable housing. It is a place where the historic theater, auditorium and pool can provide community uses alongside affordable housing and new development. We are hopeful that the few problematic aspects of the master plan related to the demolition of important historic and community resources can be resolved through settlement. Kay Fegette is a Newcastle resident and Concerned Citizens for Community and Public Lands.