Part Two of Anne Semmes’ excellent reporting on the future of the Havemeyer building is, like her first part, spot on! It shows flexibility on the part of the First Selectman, of the BET and the BOE, to use the building for its original purpose – to help improve the life of the Town (originally as a school). The concept of a performing arts center is in line with that.
To speed up the process, the BOE should accept the free rent at the Greenwich Office Park and move – NOW. (Why do BOE employees deserve a prime location – at the expense of Town residents?) During their time there, development of a permanent office for the BOE can be planned for, financed, and built. Potentially the space around Town Hall can be explored for that.
The Havemeyer parking area might be considered for more housing, generating tax revenue for the Town. Underground parking there makes eminent sense.
As last week’s editorial said: “A downtown should not merely exist. It should hum. It should invite and involve. It should enrich.” I remember Greenwich Avenue with many “mom and pop” owned stores. We have lost that character. The addition of a Performing Arts Center will help enrich our Town.
Our Town leaders should move this along while we have the positive momentum. A Havemeyer Performing Arts Center will be a magnet.
Richard Schulze
