COMMENTARY: Closed-Door Meetings Common for Proposed Live Performance Venue in Williamsburg

HTRFA limits access to discussions, keeps plans for public project shrouded in secrecy

One of the companies currently building the $80M youth sports facility in Williamsburg (near the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center) was also awarded a $1.5M contract to begin designing a live performance venue on the same site. (Image: George Arbogust, Williamsburg Independent)

During its regular public meeting on Monday, the Historic Triangle Recreational Facilities Authority (HTRFA) once again chose to discuss plans for its mysterious live performance venue behind closed doors. Overall, this marks the fifth time the public authority has met in private about the project since the beginning of 2024, while holding only one public hearing specifically on the issue.

During that time, it authorized $1.5M to begin drawing up plans for the venue. But leading up to the vote, there was scant opportunity for informed public commentary. In fact, the authority’s leadership met in closed session at least three times before that decision without releasing information or seeking public input. Clo…