Arts district tenants deserve a break

Re “District tenants criticize nonprofit“(July 5): For years I’ve much appreciated many of the tenants who have been part of the Liberty Station Arts District, transformed from the historic Point Loma Naval Training Center.

The many museums, art shows, concerts and cafes have added much to San Diego’s cultural value. Unfortunately, many of those tenants are being forced to leave as their lease fees are going up substantially.

Per your article, the NTC Foundation is the publicly owned, nonprofit agency that is loading these major fee increases onto the tenants. The time is now for foundation leaders and the City Council that appointed them to examine why these major increases are occurring and damaging Liberty Station’s value to the community. Tom Leech Serra Mesa

I write to express alarm at the threat to the future of Liberty Station’s community arts enterprises described in the article regarding NTC Foundation actions that have put many in danger of permanently closing by preventing access to artists’ studios, thus stopping their revenue, while still demanding full rent from them.

Damaging the arts district project jeopardizes the hard work of many community leaders and dedicated artist/small business owners. Many arts businesses have already been forced out during this pandemic, mainly because of NTC’S unwillingness to negotiate or provide any form of relief.

These artists really want to remain at Liberty Station, having put so much heart and soul into art businesses enhancing overall San Diego ambiance. I ask the NTC Foundation to honor tenant leases and give those in hardship some leeway and relief during this challenging time. Charles Hudgins Bankers Hill