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What is Riverspace?
Riverspace Arts in Nyack is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating a vital cultural center. We strive to inspire and engage audiences
with innovative and educational programming that embodies the diverse cultures, styles and influences of our region. We present quality programs in
theater, dance, film, and music. Riverspace nurtures relationships with neighboring cultural organizations that use our venue to advance their development.
We collaborate with schools and community groups to create programs for children and families.
What is Riverspace Downtown?
Riverspace Downtown is a community-fueled, not-for-profit project aimed at ensuring the financial stability of the Arts Center, revitalizing the heart
of Nyack, and maximizing potential improvements to local parking, safety, the attractiveness of the town, and the success of village business. In
addition to reconstructing the Arts Center, Riverspace Downtown will include an open plaza and new retail, commercial and residential spaces whose
proceeds will go entirely to funding the Arts Center.
Why is this project necessary?
Riverspace’s current operating model is not economically sustainable. In order to continue our mission of building the community through the arts
and education, we need a source of ongoing funds. Redeveloping our current location accomplishes this goal. Riverspace is now paid for by a handful
of private funders and concerned citizens; a large number of the management is volunteer; and much of the entertainment is donated. Ticket sales do
not come close to covering the cost of operations
and overhead. Our mission is to keep ticket prices low so the arts remain accessible to everyone.
What will Riverspace Downtown look like?
We imagine a dramatic, state-of-the-art arts center which would house a large main theater, plus smaller performance and rehearsal spaces and extensive
educational activities. In front would be a generous plaza, offering outdoor dining, a beautiful green Veteran’s Memorial, and plenty of light and
space for outdoor and public events such as the farmers’ market. Behind this, small shops and inviting, well-lit passageways would connect Artopee
Way to Main Street. The roughly four acres of land
between Franklin and Cedar Streets would return to the original street-plan, featuring through-streets lined with buildings that are harmonious with
the historical charm of the village. Apartments and offices would be on the upper floors, and storefronts would be directly accessible from wide sidewalks.
A wide
range of sizes and rents for retail spaces, ensuring that the shopping area serves all local residents, and bringing in basic services and everyday
business (imagine a butcher, a shoe repair shop, a
bagel place) as well as the usual evening visitors. And of course, a parking structure or (preferably) underground parking, creating hundreds of new
spots.
What kinds of programs do you imagine in the future?
We imagine the potential for a broadcast facility and a recording studio; a computer, art, and technology center; and other related efforts that could
help teach and train our youth. These programs
could be housed on the site and funded and operated by other like-minded organizations. We hope to invite local educational institutions to have space
for classrooms and programs in the heart of downtown. Other arts and community organizations would be encouraged to participate in the vision that
creates a cultural and commercial complex that speaks to all of our neighbors.
How will this answer the needs of the people who live downtown now, even people not interested in the arts?
Riverspace does not expect to answer all the challenges that face our community, but certainly it can play an integral part in a long-term strategy
to engage young people in wholesome and enriching, artistic and educational activities. The Riverspace Downtown Project will bring jobs to downtown
as the business activity increases. More service related businesses can make life more convenient for downtown residents and attractive public outdoor
spaces will benefit all. More residents living downtown, more day-time activities and commerce, better lighting and more pedestrian flow both day
and night will make Nyack a safer and more vibrant place for everyone.
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Stores are empty now, so why would more stores rent?
More density brings more foot traffic – all the businesses will benefit. With a access to the waterfront, beautiful plaza, vibrant arts center and
harmonious buildings people will be drawn to town to stroll the shops and do business. Many of the current stores are empty because they are ill configured
for certain retail concepts and basic services. Downtown commerce also suffers from insufficient parking capacity. In addition, more local businesses
mean more local jobs.
How will the construction affect the local businesses?
One idea is to construct the development in three stages, addressing the parking requirement in the first phase. This might best suit the merchants
and cause the least amount of disruption downtown.
What about parking?
In response to the concerns of the neighborhood, one of our most exciting ideas is to accommodate a lot of parking underground. Surface parking and/or
a parking structure is also being discussed. Most likely we will end up with a combination of these two solutions.
Why not put all the parking underground?
Based on some concerns about a large parking structure, we invested in expensive testing that consists of drilling on the site to study the feasibility
of 2 levels of underground parking, including dealing with Nyack’s famous underground stream. We now know that it is possible to put a level of parking
under most of the area, which will enable the parking structure to remain relatively small.
How is this going to get paid for?
The parking will mostly likely be supported with municipal funds from various governmental sources, so that the rates can remain low and the parking
can continue to be owned publicly. The remainder of the project will be paid for through a combination of traditional bank financing and other institutional
sources. All profits from the retail and commercial portions will cover the expenses of and eventually endow the arts center. No developer will be
making a profit in this project.
What measures will be used to include the community in the process?
A strong element in the Riverspace mission is community. By offering free workshops, low ticket prices and an educational component throughout the
programming, plus regular open meetings to discuss the Downtown Project, Riverspace has only given a taste of what is possible. Long-term, our outreach
strategy will continue to grow and will be integral to success.
How will you pick the best final plan?
There are many competing factors that will influence the final decision. Our primary objective is to accomplish the project. This can only happen
with broad public support. People need to feel that the project will be of real benefit to our community. The right plan will meet this “mandate”
as well as being financially feasible.
Assuming the plan moves forward, how long will it take to complete?
While the ultimate timing will depend on the scope of the plan, it is possible that construction could begin within one to two years and be completed
in an additional two to three years.
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