LOMPOC, Calif. -- The historic
theater in Lompoc is in need of repairs. The building is not up to code. Its
roof is damaged and the cost of repairs are estimated to be at $1.5 million
dollars.
Now, the theater's marquee has
been deemed "unsafe" and hazardous.
Hazards signs completely block
off the sidewalk under the famous marquee of the Lompoc Theater, after an
engineer found its in danger of falling off.
The city hired engineer Fred
Schott to prevent further damage to the theater. Schott says the marquee is a
safety hazard and needs to be taken down right away.
But because it is a Cal Trans Highway, the city says its on Cal Trans public right of way and not the
city's liability.
"That's why we've notified Cal
Trans," says Lompoc City Council member Bob Lingl. "We've got the blockades there
because we don't want it to fall on anyone. Yes, we're worried but am I
concerned about that thing falling off? No I'm not."
But the city is taking necessary
precautions to protect the public, if it does fall off.
And it will come at a huge cost.
Removing the marquee alone could cost more than $4,000.
If the city decides to fix the marquee or put in a new one, that
could cost close to 20,000 dollars but according
to Council member Lingl, it could cost closer to $35,000 to
$40,000.
Council member Ashley Costa says
Schott will present another report on how much it will cost to shore up the
marquee instead.
The city plans to pay no more than $2,000 for the
report.
Schott is expected to present his report at the city
council meeting next Tuesday. The city council will also discuss a community
group that formed a non-profit to try and take ownership and repair the theater.
