Council Workshop 30 Belvidere Proposal

The Nazareth Borough Council Workshop meeting for September 27, 2007 opened with a presentation of plans related to the conversion of 30 Belvidere into a community theatre.

The plans were developed by Northampton Community College Students and ranged from $1.25 to over $3 million dollars, though the idea is not to have the borough provide funds, but instead to have the borough maintain the property while an entity raises the funds and then manages the facility.

Ken Trionfo, a professor at the Community College and a member of the Nazareth Downtown Association introduced each student presentation. The student or team of students then explained their design to Council. Each was ADA compliant, respectful of the history of the building, and met the requirements set for them. Most had from 130 to 150 seats in the main theatre, stage, backstage area, dressing rooms, cafe, entranceway, and offices.

It was explained that a part of this process included doing research and the students visited two firehouses that were converted to theatres. The Touchstone Theatre in Bethlehem and one in Fells Point, MD. It was noted that each seated 100 and was narrower than Nazareth's. Despite this each design had a side addition to meet the requirements students were given.

Trionfo noted that a very feasible option existed to get to the end in phases, with phase one being to 'gut' the 1st floor, meet code requirements, and productions could be started for as little as an investment of $50,000. This would provide a space for productions to be held that would help show the possibilities of the venue. It was also noted that the project could very likely be eligible for anchor building grant money from the state.

Councilman Herbst asked about the time frame to Gut and what would happen when phase 2 rolled around. Trionfo noted probably six months and when more extensive work came about the facility would not be able to operate and be under construction.

Council President Chiavaroli asked if there was a single organization to head up this effort? Trionfo noted he couldn't answer, but the thinking was that the Insomniak Theatre, NDA, and Borough would jointly engage.

Question arose about parking and Trionfo noted that neither theatre they visited had parking. He also noted that the NDA will be conducting a comprehensive study and it will include a parking assessment. His best guess is that we have more parking than we realize, but need to use it more efficiently.

In closing Trionfo noted that the student designs will be on display at 113 South Main Street.