Latest news with #ErieZoo
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Erie City Council unanimously OK's zoo property transfer to Erie Events. What it means
Erie City Council has unanimously signed off on transferring just shy of 100 acres of city-owned property, including the Erie Zoo, to Erie Events as part of a long-range plan to help the financially-struggling zoo. Council signed off on a resolution approving the transfer at its regular meeting on Aug. 6 in the Bagnoni Council Chambers at City Hall, following more than an hour of public comment about the issue. Prior to the start of the meeting, City Council members agreed to shelve another zoo-related resolution, one that proposed pledging city support of at least $500,000 a year for the zoo moving forward. Council members, in their pre-meeting caucus, decided to pull that resolution from the agenda because there was not enough support on the seven-member panel for it. Councilmember Tyler Titus, the panel's liaison to the zoo, said prior to council's vote that the city 'is in no position to be able to meet the zoo's needs. Nor should we try. 'I do not think Erie Events has an easy road ahead of them on this,' Titus said. 'But I think this resolution puts us in the best position.' Council's vote now allows the city, zoo officials and Erie Events to finalize a new arrangement regarding zoo operations. Zoo officials had stressed urgency in recent weeks because of the zoo's precarious financial condition. In a letter to Erie Mayor Joe Schember dated Aug. 1, zoo officials gave formal notice of their plans to terminate a zoo management agreement that's been in place since 1964. The letter, signed by Erie Zoo CEO Melissa "Roo" Kojancie and Jeffrey Beach, chairman of the Erie Zoological Society, sets Aug. 1, 2026, as the formal termination date for that agreement. Zoo officials had also said publicly that absent a new arrangement regarding zoo operations, they would begin to slowly shut down the zoo and have animals transferred to other facilities. Gus Pine, Erie Events' executive director, attended City Council's meeting. Asked about the vote, Pine said: 'Honestly, I'm even more happy as a citizen of this community. If the zoo goes away, it's a hit to our morale as a community. It's the type of amenity that is critical to attracting businesses and our quality of life. I'm really pleased that we could collaborate and make this happen.' A proposed new agreement Both resolutions were proposed as city officials, Erie Events and zoo officials are working to come up with a solution to the zoo's financial crisis and create a plan for managing the zoo moving forward. Officials from Erie Events — which owns and operates the Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park and two bayfront hotels — have said the organization is willing to provide $500,000 a year in operating income and serve as a partner to stabilize zoo operations. In exchange, both zoo officials and Erie Events asked the city to transfer ownership of the zoo, Glenwood Golf Course, Flo Fabrizio Ice Rink and Glenwood Park to Erie Events. The agreement, in total, involves 96 acres of property. The resolution council approved Aug. 6 does that, with various conditions/restrictions on how the property can be used. Those restrictions include: Erie Events must commit to providing a $500,000 yearly payment to the zoo. Erie Events 'shall maintain a zoo on the property.' Erie Events must commit to maintaining a nine-hole golf course within those 96 acres, and the city would continue to operate the course. Erie Events would lease the golf course back to the city for free. Erie Events is prohibited from selling or transferring 'any portion of the property without the approval of the city of Erie.' Erie Events may not sell or transfer ownership of any portion of the Property without the approval of the City of Erie. If Erie Events fails to maintain a zoo and a golf course on the property, 'ownership of the Property shall revert back to the City of Erie.' The city would continue to operate Glenwood Park's picnic grounds and horseshoe courts, which Erie Events would lease back to the city for free. Erie Events will take over operation of the Flo Fabrizio Ice Center. Utility costs and insurance for all 96 acres would become the responsibility of Erie Events. During the citizen comment portion of City Council's meeting, a number of people, including current Erie Zoo employees, asked council to help ensure the zoo's long-term future by transferring control of the property to Erie Events. One of those who spoke was Darren Julius, a zookeeper at the Erie Zoo for the past eight years. Julius said the zoo creates more than $21 million in annual economic impact for the city, and it supports and sustains more than 200 city jobs, according to a 2022 zoo study. Transferring property to Erie Events, Julius said, makes sense in terms of tourism. 'Erie Events is much more sustainable,' said Julius. 'We've seen what they've done with the Warner Theatre and all the properties that they manage.' City Council reacts Council President Mel Witherspoon said he initially intended to vote 'no' on the Erie Events resolution, because he was wary of giving up city-owned property. 'I don't believe this is a good business deal, from a business perspective,' Witherspoon said. However, discussing the issue with his colleagues convinced Witherspoon that Erie Events' involvement was best for the zoo's long-term sustainability moving forward. Councilman Ed Brzezinski seconded that sentiment. Brzezinski said "we had to come to some kind of conclusion' regarding the zoo, and direct city funding regarding the zoo was not the answer. The property transfer and a collaboration with Erie Events, Brzezinski said, makes the most sense. 'Let's give it to the pros,' Brzezinski said. Councilwoman Jasmine Flores said the zoo is a community asset that other municipalities should also support. 'It is a regional asset and the county should help support (it),' Flores said. 'We know that everyone uses the zoo… I think it's going to be time that we find ways to make sure that everyone's paying their fair share for these amenities.' Councilwoman Kathy Schaaf agreed. 'I really think it does take a community collaboration… All of our surrounding municipalities really should invest in the zoo as well,' Schaaf said. Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@ Follow him on X at@ETNflowers This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Zoo: City council approves land transfer to Erie Events Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community takes place at Penn State Behrend
The public was invited to step in to support their favorite non-profit organization. The Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community took place at Penn State Behrend Saturday morning. Ten local non-profits were in attendance, raising money for their own individual missions. Tickets now available Erie Zoo's centennial Mane Event Participants walked either a 5K or one mile and were able to take part in family-friendly activities as well. 'We have the YMCA doing line dancing, we have the walks and all the help, and I love seeing the dogs and children and all the fun,' said Michelle Smiley, the director of the walk. 'We have a scavenger hunt for them, it's just, we have a wonderful day of engagement with the community, it's beautiful.' Smiley said they raised almost $35,000 this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Erie Zoo hosts Equipment Day
The Erie Zoo held one of its most beloved annual events on Saturday. It was Equipment Day. Massive trucks, tractors and construction equipment were all on display. Kids had the opportunity to get up close, snap photos and explore 15 different types of machinery. Tickets now available Erie Zoo's centennial Mane Event Hali Hartley, the special events manager for the zoo, said both kids and adults love to enjoy this event. 'This event is sort of the kick-off of our summer,' said Hartley. 'It's the most popular event, everyone loves this event, they come every year, so we just make sure to try to make it better and bring more machines each year.' And visitors have just over a week to view their Chinese lantern festival, Glow Wild. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Annual Equipment Day returns to Erie Zoo this weekend
(WJET/WFXP) – A family-favorite event is making its return to Erie this weekend. On Saturday, June, the Erie Zoo will host their annual Equipment Day from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. All An Act Theatre looks for new venue after CSS board votes to end lease The event will feature trucks, tractors and construction equipment, providing an up-close look for kids as well as plenty of photo opportunities for families. Equipment Day activities are free with paid admission, and the event will take place rain or shine. Pet owners will soon be able to honor pets at new Rainbow Bridge Memorial Garden The zoo's president and CEO, Roo Kojancie, said this event continues to be a community favorite. 'Equipment Day is always a highlight of our summer season,' said Kojancie. 'It's a family favorite that brings hands-on fun for all ages, giving guests a chance to touch, explore, and learn.' For more information, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
EMTA reminds riders of upcoming route changes
(WJET/WFXP) — There may be some changes coming to your bus route. Beginning June 7, the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA) will modify some of its routes. The Presque Isle Express (Route 33) will start up for the summer in downtown Erie and drive through Presque Isle State Park. Rides on this route are free and will run on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets now available Erie Zoo's centennial Mane Event Since the colleges' spring semesters are over, Route 18 (Penn State Behrend), Route 19 (Gannon University) and the PennWest Edinboro Express will stop running. For information on the new route schedule, including changes to Route 105 (Corry) and Route 20L (Cultural Loop), click here or call EMTA at 814-452-3515. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
