Davis Hall

In tonight’s City Council session, the Council will be considering raising fees to rent two of City’s public facilities – Davis Hall in north College park and Old Parish Hall in downtown College Park.

Currently, for-profit and private groups, as well as religious groups, who use these two facilities have to pay rent for their use.  The City thinks, these rents are too low compared to similar renting fees elsewhere in the area. In order to “remain competitive with similar facilities in other towns”, the staff has proposed increasing the cost of the use of these facilities to $100 for residents and $150 for non-residents to use Davis Hall, and $225 for residents and $275 for non-residents to use the Parish House. 

As I understand, most non-profits, such as NCPCA and Boys and Girls Club will continue to use these properties – free of cost.

I find it a little odd that the City does not treat all non-profits the same way. I don’t know why they charge some non-profit groups such as faith / religious groups, whereas they make the facilities free for other similar groups.

The City will also set to allow the City staff  people using the facilities for free once a year, despite it will cost the City about $800 in rental fees per year. 

[Source: NCP listserv]