Plaza Bowl and CAPS
Plaza Bowl made the cover of Style Weekly today because of violations found by the city’s Community Assisted Public Safety program, known by its initials: CAPS. Style weekly is asking the question whether a program initially started to combat crime through strict enforcement of zoning and building regulations has lately been targeting music and art events.
Andrews says his initiation of an enforcement action against Plaza Bowl came after reading about bands playing there as part of Style Weekly’s recent Music Issue, an annual feature that pays special attention to local bands, venues and musicians.
“If he’d applied for a permit for the stage … that’s working in the right direction,” Andrews says of Plaza Bowl’s business owner, Jim Szilagyi. “If he started using the stage [without a permit], that’s a problem.”
In fact, that was exactly the problem at Plaza Bowl. When Szilagyi bought the struggling bowling alley, music became his financial salvation, inspiring him to tear up a few lanes in October and replace them with a raised stage area. He did it all without a permit, a situation he’s trying to rectify.
Some other examples of enforcement include rental properties that have too many tenants and an illegal ballet studio. Both business owners that are quoted in the article understand the situation and are looking to work with the city.
There is no denying that everyone should follow the correct building code but I would hope that enforcement of the codes are universal and don’t drain the life and resources of those that are trying to make the community more vibrant. As of this afternoon there are still shows slated for Plaza Bowl but one has to wonder how long that will be the case. Check out the full article for how this enforcement could also have a negative affect on First Fridays.
I can see the concerns people have, particularly where CAPS’ manner of popping in is concerned.
On the other hand, every single code that’s being enforced has come about because something bad happened to someone, somewhere. No matter how silly the building and fire safety codes seem to people, they’re there because officials are trying to prevent a repeat of whatever tragedy brought them about in the first place.
I’m not sure how sympathetic I am towards the Plaza Bowl guy. f you convert part of a bowling alley into a stage to have concerts to make money, it seems like getting a permit would be a pretty obvious thing to do.
Related:
http://rvanews.com/etc/arts-council-of-richmond-reaching-out-to-make-changes/
Unfortunately, there are some real questions about how this relates to the stupidity known as Center Stage. Is the City trying to clear out all possible competition for the downtown white elephant?
Remember, part of the time that Center Stage was renovating the Carpenter Center, it was doing work without even a contract with the City. The City’s Commonwealth Attorney, Herring, would not investigate, despite requests from citizens. The attitude seems to be- permits are just for “little people” (you know, the ones who also pay taxes). Of course, Center Stage is all exempt from FOIA now, thanks to Graziano, Jewell, and company on City Council.
The city just came down on Rumors, who was hosting small shows for donations for traveling bands, and it became a tax incentive for the city somehow. Makes me think back about… Twisters, Rockets, The Metro, Biograph, Hole in the Wall, etc.
And god, Center Stage. Our taxes are still paying for that white elephant, right (remember that 11% restaurant tax we’re still paying)? So why is it exempt from FIOA?
Reading that article, it strikes me what is seriously wrong here is not the intent, it’s the method.
A number of years ago, I had the opportuniy to “ride along” on a number of illegal rooming house “busts”.
All that was required was a dude from the building code enforcement office, a fire marshall, and MAYBE ONE cop to stand by in case of trouble (depending on the locations, most times there were NO cops).
You really have to wonder what vision Richmond’s leaders have for this city when they want to resort to swat teams when a visit by one or two folks with a fat summons book would do.
These artists and ballet dancers must be seriously dangerous people I guess… maybe even communists.
What patently ridiculous crap.
The people running CAPS are the hit men of the Richmond elite who go to sleep at night terrified that someone, somewhere in this city, is having a good time.
The same folks who helped kill off the vibrant club scene that was popular in Shockoe in the 90′s.
I’m surprised it’s not the ABC board who are the hitmen. I guess they can’t be employed in that capacity anymore as everyone is hip to their typical shenanigan’s i.e. has up to date beer/wine licenses.
Selective enforcement by lazy bureaucrats to stifle what could be a very productive scene for Richmond.
They’ll kill this city yet.
Save Richmond takes a look at the issue here: http://saverichmond.com/?p=1738 I like what they have to say.
Don’s a pretty sharp guy. Also pay close attention to who isn’t talking. Especially on this site. Call it the case of the dog who didn’t bark.
Jonathan, your comment made me laugh. Yes.
Y’all gripe about CAPS if you want, but this is the kind of tragedy that leads to the codes that are being enforced. I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’d be willing to put money on those buildings not being up to U.S. code. CAPS is walking a fine line between torquing the public and allowing something awful to happen.