Here Is A "Local Hard Hitting Greenwich Time Editorial" From The Hearst Newspaper's Mystery Editor.
Staff Reports
Posted: 12/07/2008 01:00:00 AM EST
We have long supported the concept of a center for the arts in downtown Greenwich. But recurring concerns about the plans for a center in the Havemeyer Building have converged with events to frustrate the sincere efforts of committed backers. Bowing to the inevitable last week, they made the right decision in withdrawing their proposal.
A statement from the Greenwich Center for the Arts directors said in part: "[W]e are tremendously disappointed that this vision, which would have offered opportunities for enrichment to every child, adult and senior in Greenwich, will not become a reality." But the organization's board, donors and other supporters should not abandon their dream, and should be prepared for the time when conditions are more favorable.
The idea of converting the town-owned building, which does not seem too well suited for its current use by the Greenwich Public Schools administration, was creative, attractive and on its face doable. The plan was to create a privately funded $30 million center that would include a children's art center, pottery and arts studios, a cafe and two theaters. The GCA would then have leased the building from the town for $1 per year.
However, persistent concerns about the proposed arrangement undermined the possibility of a consensus for it among both town officials and residents. Those concerns included worries that the town could incur substantial financial liability under the deal, questions about the required relocation of the school administration staff and uncertainty over whether it could be assured that town arts organizations and residents would always get first priority.
A significant number of residents also seemed to feel that a $1-per-year lease would be a financial mistake for the town.
Given the fact that the proposal still had not gained approval after being initiated in 2004, the organization set a deadline of Dec. 31 for a town decision on the building. That move established a "make or break" situation that ultimately turned out to be "break." The Board of Education was not going to move up its plan to consider relocation sometime early next year, while the plunge in the economy put a damper on Greenwich capital spending that would have been needed to make the arts center possible.
Vince DiMarco, a Representative Town Meeting member and a proponent of the center, after the GCA announcement commented:
"I think it was a worthwhile proposal and I would hope that all the work that all those folks did doesn't go to waste. I hope we can build on it in the near future."
Those are our hopes too.
Even though the arduous effort to create a new asset for the town did not come to fruition this time, there are some positives to take away. Arts supporters now should have a clear picture of the concerns they would have to address and how they would need to proceed within the sometimes complicated framework of town government.
Those advocates cannot be blamed for feeling keen disappointment that their campaign fell short this time. But their concept was good and their motives admirable. And they should anticipate a time when they can help create what could be an invaluable addition to the town's cultural life.
signed,
Anonymous Editorial Writer
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