![]() The Pier Corp itself put out a statement in support of Cirque returning to Santa Monica but with several requests, including the adequacy of the traffic plan, weekly stakeholder engagement, and a promise that the Pier Lot be blacked out for future events between Christmas and New Year’s Day, which is usually a profitable week for Pier businesses.Īfter a few comments, Councilmember Gleam Davis moved for approval of the staff being able to enter negotiations with Cirque, adding the following direction: “That’s why there isn’t a lot of specificity, there are general parameters,” she explained. Torosis said she would also like to see a commitment from Cirque to use union labor.Īt this point, Assistant City Manager Susan Cline clarified that what was being asked of the council was approval to enter into negotiations, so several of these points can be addressed. “Are we committing to a minimum spend on local small businesses or businesses within a certain mile radius that are actually providing services as subcontractors to Cirque? I would like to know a little bit more detail on the community benefits.” “In theory, we’re committed to local hiring, but are we actually committing to any numbers?” she asked. ![]() “There’s some concern over the ambiguity in this contract sort of saying ‘They will work with the Pier and the Pier businesses’ is a little too general and broad,” said Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete, who wanted more assurances that Cirque would comply, saying she wanted to ensure “The Promises made to the businesses actually come to fruition.”Ĭouncilmember Caroline Torosis was also skeptical, saying a lot of promises are great in theory, but she wants them as part of the work agreement between the city and Cirque. The city’s staff report on the proposed agreement states, “Cirque will update and follow the Parking and Traffic Management Plan as approved by the City which may include, measures not limited to shuttling guests from off-site parking to the site, designating Uber and Lyft drop-off points and collaboration with Big Blue Bus and Metro to incentivize guests to use public transit.” Pier businesses reaped a net impact of $420,000 at this time, even after adjusting for some displaced sales.Ĭirque will also have to employ some mitigation measures. Among that was an increase in sales and hotel taxes of $130,000 and an estimate that Cirque visitors spent $4.6 at various city outlets during their run in 2009, which took place at the same time of year. Staff also pointed to a 2010 Economic Study that determined Cirque’s stay in Santa Monica during 2009 contributed positively to the local economy, netting $16.7 million in economic impact.
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