Goldstein should donate Strand
December 09, 2009 01:00 AM | 413 views | 6 6 comments | 8 8 recommendations | email to a friend | print
DEAR EDITOR: Happy 175th Birthday Marietta! One huge cause for celebration is the restoration of the Strand Theater. I can't say "gift" because Philip Goldstein still owns it. Congratulations to Earl Smith on his successful drive for funds to restore the Strand. To name the theater for Earl Smith is a wonderful tribute him and his tireless effort.

When there was serious talk of tearing down the "Fabulous Fox" in Atlanta, a horrified group of preservationist formed Atlanta Landmarks and proceeded to collect funds to save and restore it. The owners subsequently gave the Fox to Atlanta Landmarks.

Early discussions of restoring the Strand brought on much talk and complaining about repairing Goldstein's private property. He did, however, make something like a $100,000 contribution for the restoration. (The original loan was for $5.7 million) After eight years, Friends of the Strand will start making monthly payments of $9,115 to Goldstein.

Wouldn't it be wonderful and most appropriate if Philip gave the Strand to Friends of the Strand?

The city should not own it. It should be owned, maintained and operated by a private group for the benefit of Marietta. What a great 175th birthday gift for our city!

What a great tax write-off that would be. With all the improvements, the value and tax assessment surely have increased substantially. Such generosity would almost guarantee re-election. Think about it, Philip.

Ruth Crissey
Marietta
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comments (6)
« rickyjones wrote on Friday, Dec 11 at 10:17 AM »
Better yet Ms. Crissey, why don't you buy the Strand and donate it?
« Miss Spent wrote on Thursday, Dec 10 at 02:24 PM »
I would say it is past time that Goldstein do something for his community. This business about the Strand leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I suppose that the moral of this story is that Greed always pays off.
« noseriously wrote on Thursday, Dec 10 at 05:53 AM »
I dont know why folk resent him so much. He should do with the Strand what he wants as I would if I owned it. Take all the tax advantages he can like I would if I owned it. Heck, I might charge to look at the pretty lights.

A private group already owns it, the Goldstein family
« Oscar Delta wrote on Wednesday, Dec 09 at 04:52 PM »
"Hawking" is exactly right, particularly about assisting Mr. Goldstein get re-elected. As long as there are more than 100 live, registered voters living in Ward 7 that want to vote for him, he's in.

However, Ms. Crissey's suggestion is very good in that it could be the seed that eventually grows to help expose Mr. Goldstein as the totally self-absorbed, walking conflict-of-interest that he is. He is a millionaire many times over, gained by very wise investing, but also by manipulating City events and actions in his favor. He doesn't need his Council position for anything other than that. While Mr. Goldstein is firmly ensconced on Council for another 4 years, slowly building pressure that shows Mr. Goldstein's real motivation may be very beneficial to actually getting a revitalized Square -- WITH more public parking.
« Hawking wrote on Wednesday, Dec 09 at 12:35 PM »
The earth will be pulled into the sun before Goldstein donates the Strand property to any organization.

Here are three things Goldstein does not need:

A tax write-off, help getting re-elected, favorable press.
« great idea wrote on Wednesday, Dec 09 at 09:30 AM »
an excellent suggestion! Surely Mr Goldstein would appreciate the favorable press