The Villa’s People

If anybody wondered how the Lake Helen Villa residents feel about the Creative Arts Café, one only had to be at the City Commission Workshop on February 16th. After hearing about the assault on the Café, appalled residents went door to door to ask their neighbors how they felt about the facility. If they thought it was invaluable to our community and that it should remain a mainstay establishment, they were asked to sign a petition. They were so determined to gather signatures before the meeting that same evening, three gals collected over 100 signatures over several hours. The Villa residents are regulars at the Café and frequently use it as a meeting place during the week and after church on Sundays. The congenial atmosphere, good food and fair prices are a big draw for them.

The special workshop was held in response to a request by Commissioner Robbins who claims that the Café is operating inefficiently and the City shouldn’t fund it because it’s not fair to the taxpayers. The taxpayers told her otherwise that night. Approximately 150 supporters showed up to set the record straight and let the Commission know that the Café’s contribution to the community is invaluable and the rapidly decreasing deficit will soon be a non-issue. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2009/2010, the Café was only operating $1,065 in the red. If inventory is factored into the equation like it should be, they would probably be in the black. The pennies that this may be costing taxpayers is a small price to pay for a facility that brings the majority of the community together, attracts those from outside Lake Helen, serves great food, helps local businesses, and provides employment.

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