GLENDALE –The Armenian American Museum held three Glendale-based community forums to share the vision for the Museum and encourage community-driven feedback. All events have hosted a full house of local residents, community members, and supporters. The events provided an overview of the project and an update on the status of the feasibility studies.
“It is our priority to create a positive relationship with neighboring residents of the proposed Museum site in addition to promoting the synergy and educational experiences the Museum will create with the Glendale Community College and Civic Auditorium,” stated Armenian American Museum executive committee chairman Berdj Karapetian. “Although the proposed location has met both positive and negative feedback, there is overwhelming support for the Museum and basing it in Glendale.”
The proposed location of the Museum on the corner of Verdugo Road and Mountain Street adjacent to the Civic Auditorium and across the street from the Glendale Community College, has generated objections from residents who do not want anything built on the 74,000 square feet parking lot. “Some opponents want to see the museum built in downtown Glendale because they are concerned that visitors to the museum will cause traffic congestion on the streets leading to their residences and activities at the museum will generate a large number of attendees,” added Karapetian.
The Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the City of Glendale requires the performance of a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Initial Study to evaluate the impact of the Museum on traffic, noise, air quality, geology, aesthetics, public services, population/housing, cultural resources and 10 other environmental factors.
The Armenian American Museum Governing Board has already initiated environmental assessments, geotechnical studies, as well as traffic and circulation evaluations needed for the CEQA Initial Study.
“We are committed to providing all community members and stakeholders with the results of our finding as we move forward in evaluating the feasibility of building the Armenian American Museum on the proposed site,” stated Outreach Director Tigranna Zakaryan. “Our team will continue engaging in an active dialogue with the community and furthering our outreach efforts to community-based organizations and individuals interested in the Armenian American Museum.”
Residents and community groups interested in hosting a presentation may further inquire by calling (844) 586-4626 or emailing [email protected]
For more information on upcoming Community Forums and presentations, please visit: http://www.armenianamericanmuseum.org/events/
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The Armenian American Museum is a developing project in Glendale, CA, with a mission to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. When completed, it will serve as a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.
The governing board of the Armenian American Museum consists of representatives from the following nine regional Armenian American institutions and organizations: Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian Cultural Foundation, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, Armenian General Benevolent Union – Western District, Armenian Relief Society – Western USA, Nor Or Charitable Foundation, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
