Help for movie studio criticized

Jeffrey Libby

Wednesday, May 29, 2002 | 9:25 a.m.

The Boulder City producer behind a proposed $44 million movie production studio said Tuesday investors are nearly in place and that the project should move forward quickly.

The project, in the planning stages since October 2000, is expected to bring middle-class jobs to Boulder City and help sustain local businesses if a planned highway bypass diverts traffic south of the downtown, producer Anna Maria Davis said.

Boulder City Manager John Sullard said the city has tentatively agreed to help the studio by bringing roads to the old airport hangar -- the planned base of the studio -- and by installing landscaping with grant money and redevelopment funds.

At Tuesday's Boulder City Council meeting two residents spoke against the city-backed project. There are other critics as well.

Resident Frank Nichols asked why the city has continued to defer rent on the hangar and surrounding 30 city-owned acres leased by Davis.

Since October 2000 Davis has accrued more than $60,000 in rent. But according to the city contract, no rent must be paid until the studio is built and generating income.

Resident Ken Byler asked why the city has installed a kiosk in City Hall advertising the planned Lombard Studios, a private business.

"Having Boulder City as an educational and production mecca is a worthwhile goal to go after," Sullard said. "I mean, who doesn't want a studio here?"

In public comments Davis explained frequent lunches with Sullard and potential studio investors at Cascata, the Park Place Entertainment high-roller golf course that is closed to the public.

"As part of economic development, we have to show them all the different aspects of the area and what we have to offer here," Davis said.