Thoughts on Riverspace – Nyack Villager, August 2009
By Marie Lorenzini
As a longtime Nyack resident, I believe it is essential that the village continue to offer the milieu of creativity, the arts and diversity that has also served as a catalyst to bolstering our local businesses. Going back to my first job in Nyack, when I worked across the street from the original Tappan Zee Playhouse, I recall being so invigorated to see the throngs of patrons arriving at the theatre. There was an excitement that emanated from all part of the village. Residents and tourist visited regularly. But as happens in the course of history, tough economic times impact communities and in the case of the TZ Playhouse, not only did the fiscal situation become worse, events lead to a change in ownership and the ultimate closure of the theatre.
But our village and its residents are resilient. And as a hands-on, proactive individual, I joined with fellow village activists volunteering my time in an effort to reopen a theatre by fundraising, planning a Helen Hayes 90 Birthday party at the Plaza Hotel in NYC, doing mailings, speaking to groups and prospective sponsors, and doing all that was needed to bring back a program or theatre that would replicate what the Tappan Zee Playhouse had represented to the Village of Nyack. We were successful.
From the outset I have loved the concept of the Riverspace Development! The creativity, exciting ideas, potential for attracting new residents, business’ and consumers to Nyack. These concepts that are worthy of pursuing.
However, it is also critical to recognize fiscal realities. As we learned from the TZ Playhouse and other similar cultural projects around the state and nation, that for a concept to be wholly embraced, it must be financially and fiscally sound. Incentives, whether tax or zoning etc. are one thing, but actual projects’ costs can’t be sustained by a one square mile Village tax base where $22,000 in expense is equal to a 1% tax levy. I am particularly concerned with recent reports that Riverspace may be temporarily suspending programming in order to save money.
Taxpaying residents need definitive facts to make a determination about the full scope of this project. We also need to ensure that the theatre be redeveloped in a fashion that brings, excitement and new business and a more acceptable face to this area without years of major disruption to the businesses and residents. We absolutely need a theatre and a facelift to the village, but what’s the best way and the burden to pay for it should not be on the backs of the taxpaying residents.
Marie Lorenzini is a member of Nyack’s Board of Trustees.
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