Fly By Night Ltr Civic Ctr Privirl -I -Nioht Fr do n$
January 20, 2004
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
City Hall
50 W: 13~ St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Dear Mayor Duggan and City Council Members,
The board of directors for Fly-By-Night Productions would like to express their concerns
regarding the privatization of the Five Flags Civic Center. There is no doubt that the City of
Dubuque has seen amazing growth in the last deCade and its full potential is yet untapped.
However, with burgeoning tourism and economic development comes the fear that the
ownership citizens share - and need - for their hometown, may be slipping away.
Ply-By-Nigh~.Productions:has. enjoyed the benefits of Five Flags Center for a number of years.
Our concern is that privatization would create inflated vendor contracts that include costs and
conditions completely out of the financial reach of our non-profit group and that of many others
within the community currently using Five Flags. Privatization would jeopardize the
community's connection to its only true civic center. Finding another home for Fly-By-Night
would be difficult as appropriate community space dwindles and options become limited.
The Bijou Room, thoUgh not ideal for performing arts, has prOven to be a versatile home for the
prOvocative and engaging theatrical events for which Fly-By-Night is known. The Five Flags
staff has been exceptionally supportive and creative in keeping community theater at this site.
The center is convenient to restaurants, hotels, and the new convention center that will be filled
with loyal followers and travelers from around the country looking for a unique experience. Fly-
By-Night's productions provide that experience and fill a niche in this diverse and balanced ~
community.
Please carefully consider the adverse rolling effects ofpfivatizing Five Flags Civic Center.