MARIE BRIGANTI

GUEST COMMENTARY

Editor’s note: Marie Briganti, president and chief executive of Battle Creek Unlimited, posted the following statement on the Enquirer’s Facebook page in response to the story, “Lease dispute brews between Arcadia, BCU,” March 15.

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There is a lot to this story that hasn’t been shared publicly, as it has been our intention to keep matters private, but we now feel it appropriate to communicate some facts that aim to enlighten the public on this matter. On Friday, March 18th, I shared additional details including indisputable facts and appropriate documentation with the Battle Creek Enquirer.

Arcadia Brewing has been operating since 2004 with a written lease with Battle Creek Unlimited. The current lease allows Arcadia to pay rent at less than half the current market rate. Under the terms of this lease, Arcadia is responsible for paying taxes, improvements/repairs and insurance.

In 2013, Arcadia approached BCU requesting a new lease with rent payments of $0 for the entire term of the new lease. They also requested that BCU pay Arcadia’s unpaid taxes as well as improvements to the building. During negotiations, BCU has, as a gesture of goodwill to protect this community asset, been paying Arcadia’s taxes, repairs and other expenses that Arcadia was/is responsible for. Arcadia has not paid any rent since October 2014. Despite this 16-month delinquency, BCU has not pursued any collection efforts (including liens on brewing equipment) instead trying to negotiate with Arcadia.

Before putting the building on the market for sale, BCU offered to sell the building to Arcadia for a very generous (below market) offer. Arcadia rejected and made no counter-offer.BCU realizes the role this establishment has in revitalizing the downtown entertainment and food scene.

As this information suggests, BCU has supported their presence. BCU has consistently reassured Arcadia that it will work cooperatively with them to help them stay in Battle Creek and will continue to do so. However, BCU does have the obligation to be a good steward of community resources.

When Arcadia demands more and more financial resources from Battle Creek, but expands elsewhere (it has relocated all brewing to its Kalamazoo location), it is hard to see that as anything other than Battle Creek getting taken advantage of by paying for Arcadia’s investment in other communities.

BCU will continue to work to retain Arcadia and other valuable Battle Creek employers, but will protect Battle Creek’s community resources from being taken out of our area.

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