Fact Sheet : Civic Center Proposition November 6, 1956 Seattle Special Election

              FACT SHEET
Civic Center Proposition Revised October 3, 1956
November 6, 1956 Seattle Special Election
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
"SEATTLE CIVIC CENTER DEVELOPMENT BONDS"       ° 01 00 4480051 3
"Shall Seattle issue $7,500,000 bonds to acquire a Civic
Center site and develop same as recommended by the Civic
Center Advisory Committee on June 26, 1956, Comptroller's
File 229670 and contemplated by Ordinance 85404; and pay
the principal and interest on such bonds by an annual tax
levy in excess of the millage limitation in the Constitution and State law as contemplated by Ordinance 85404?"
YES NO
SEA
'kicicieiticirkikieicic
WHAT IS A "CIVIC CENTER?" A true Civic Center is a cultural, educational, reerea*
tional headquarters that serves a city's needs so effectively it builds both "the
better life" and business (by attracting conventions, expositions, etc,),,* and so
well-planned that it grows with the city,
WHAT WILL IT DO FOR SEATTLE? Seattle is losing out as a major city because of
increasingly inadequate sports, cultural and convention facilities, A Civic Center
program is the planned way (hence more efficient, more economical) to keep Seattle
competitive with other metropolitan cities. The convenience, efficiency of operation
an&  economic asset of a focal point for civic and related activities has been proven
by other cities, A Civic Center program is considered essential to Seattle's future
progress by professional planners.
WHY DON'T WE HAVE A CIVIC CENTER ALREADY? Rapid growth from frontier settlement to
major metropolis in one brief century has often forced other urgent needs into the
forefront, though necessity of a Civic Center site was officially recognized as early
as 1909, with circulation of a referendum petition. War and postwar problems also
prevented major construction of this type. Disagreement over location in recent years
caused further delay, including defeat of a $1,500,000 bond issue in 1950, due to site
confusion and inadequacy of its proposal to acquire land only,
A Mayor's committee then studied the problem and petitioned the City Council for action*
This resulted in appointment last March of the Civic Center Advisory Committee which,
after careful study, recommended a solution. Unanimously approved by Mayor and City,
Council, this is now on the November 6, 1956 ballot,
WHY IS THE NEED SO URGENT? Time is running out for purchasing a desirable Civic Center
site.  In a few short years, rapid growth and resulting private development of vacant
land will make the cost of acquiring property through condemnation and purchase
prohibitive. As of now, Seattle is in drastic need of --
1, CONVENTION FACILITIES to bring us our share of tourist dollars,
2. EXPOSITION FACILITIES to attract additional outside money that is our due, but
is now going to other cities.
i.    HOME FOR MAJOR PERFORMING ARTS, including Seattle Symphony Orchestra, opera com-
711.55809   panies, ballet troupes, visiting musical organizations and major choral groups.
F142
OVR