Brown Town house concert site is all about building community

To the Editor:

Community. We can generally agree that building community is positive, and that community helps make Athens so special. When something goes wrong, say the burning of a couch during a huge drunken party, we can all say that there is a lack of community. If people had a sense of community in Athens, the town-gown relations would improve, and we would collectively be more apt to acting for the common good. So why would the city try to stop something that is building those relationships, strengthening our community, and providing a safe space for all community members?

What am I talking about? Brown Town, of course. Brown Town has been accused of many things, but the one that seems to be underlying all accusations: it's bad for Athens. I strongly disagree with this. Brown Town provides a substance-free space for all community members to come together and be part of a DIY culture, which is very much a part of Athens. As a frequent participant at events, I can speak with first-hand experience when I say it is one of few substance-free environments that welcomes all people.

As for the charge that Brown Town, or other show houses, are businesses, this one would be laughable if it were not for the fact that it is a real accusation. No one at Brown Town is getting rich off this. Any money given is a donation to the bands who have traveled from across the country to play in Athens. And to call a house such as Brown Town a commercial business is actually insulting. This is not for profit. It is something that is for, and by, the community.

We, the community, are not asking for much. We are asking to let Brown Town continue to serve the community at large. We are asking to allow a communal space to exist. We just want a place to enjoy each other's company and a place to call our own. We have been respectful; now it's time for the city to pay that same respect.

Molly Shea
Dairy Lane
Athens