Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones informed reporters Thursday that town and the Bonham Alternate reached an settlement that may stop the closure of the longtime LGBTQ+ nightlife hub as long as it operates with decreased occupancy.
The tentative deal comes after town this week accused the nightclub — housed in a 135-year-old downtown constructing — of lacking an Oct. 1, 2023, deadline to improve its sprinkler system to fulfill present fireplace code. Though Bonham should cut back its indoor patron capability underneath its pact with town, the venue may be capable to make up for these restrictions through the use of its outside area, Jones mentioned.
“I’m grateful [Bonham General Manager] Joan Duckworth signed that settlement,” mentioned Jones, the Alamo Metropolis’s first overtly queer mayor. “I feel this one retains it open, ensures it’s protected for folk. And, as a part of that settlement, I agreed to assist fundraise myself.”
In feedback to KSAT earlier this week, Duckworth mentioned a brand new sprinkler system would price the Bonham $550,000, which means the membership would wish time to coordinate a significant fundraising push. She additionally informed the TV station she’s involved the enterprise wouldn’t survive financially if pressured to slash its occupancy.
The mayor’s feedback concerning the tentative settlement got here moments after Duckworth left Council Chambers practically in tears.
“I can’t do that proper now,” she informed reporters earlier than hurrying for the exit.
Confusion over the deal
In feedback to members of the media, Jones mentioned she didn’t know the settlement’s particulars off the highest of her head, together with how a lot the membership should cut back its occupancy. Nonetheless, metropolis spokesman Brian Chasnoff promised to supply a extra detailed breakdown to the media quickly.
Throughout a separate press convention exterior Metropolis Council chambers, Duckworth legal professional Patrick Christensen mentioned the settlement with the Bonham Alternate wasn’t but finalized as a result of metropolis officers haven’t signed the doc. He added that he’s underneath the impression that regardless that his consumer signed the settlement, the proposal nonetheless have to be voted on and authorised by the complete council.
“We’re sort of in flux proper now,” Christensen mentioned.
In a press release to the Present, Chasnoff mentioned town is “reviewing the compliance settlement with Bonham Alternate and dealing towards finalizing it tomorrow.”
The confusion at Metropolis Corridor got here days after District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur, District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo submitted a three-signature memo calling for a pause on fireplace code enforcement for the Bonham.
The trio wished to provide Duckworth till 2027 to boost cash for the sprinkler system.
Delayed dialogue
Shortly earlier than Jones briefed the media on town’s purported settlement with the nightclub, council members voted to push again dialogue of the three-signature memo till their Feb. 12 assembly.
Christensen informed the Present that members of council nonetheless should focus on the memo earlier than town can formally log off on the settlement Jones mentioned with reporters.
Chasnoff declined touch upon whether or not Christensen’s interpretation is correct.
Throughout her dialogue with reporters, Jones reiterated her dedication to maintain the historic nightclub open, recalling the way it helped her navigate being a member of the LGBTQ+ group whereas serving within the army underneath “Don’t Ask, Don’t Inform.”
“Bonham is a particular place for me, which is why I wished to personally assist,” she mentioned.
It is a creating story. Verify again for updates.
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