Here are several corrections to an Oct. 14 letter:

MICA is not a “private group” but instead is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation formed for the purpose of building and operating a center for the arts for the benefit of the community. This public building, to be built primarily with individual and foundation donations and grants, will replace the abandoned recycling center at Mercerdale Park. The footprint of the building will be approximately 24,500 square feet (0.56 of an acre) and will encompass a portion of the unmaintained wooded area south of the recycling center.

MICA has submitted a draft lease to the city and has been working with city staff on the language of the lease, which MICA hopes will be presented to the City Council soon. Even if the council approves the lease and it is signed, the city will retain the right to approve the final footprint and design of the building and to approve MICA’s operating plan and budget. The building cannot and will not be built without these approvals.

If construction proceeds, during and after construction, MICA will be the owner and operator of the building and will remain solely responsible for its operations and budget.

Opponents continue to say that MICA is proposing to lease the land in exchange for $1 per year, but in fact MICA is committing to provide many public benefits to the city, which we have listed in many forums and here: http://www.mercerislandarts.org/.

Suzanne Zahniser

MICA Board Member