Selectmen OK $262K for new Playhouse roof
New Canaan plans to replace the roof on the vacant Playhouse movie theater on 89 Elm St., with the expectations of receiving a new tenant for the property.
First Selectman Kevin Moynihan has said there is “lots of interest” in renting the building. He has said he expects it to remain a movie theater, since has been told that is what residents prefer.
The Board of Selectman voted unanimously on Tuesday, April 20, to spend $262,433, with a $23,850 contingency, to have J. Antonelli Roofing, a Stamfordbased business, replace the roof.
The funds will come from a reserve fund for the playhouse held in a municipal account, according to Director of Public Works Tiger Mann.
The reserve totals $826,000 now, according to CFO Lunda Asmani.
The building was left vacant by Bow Tie Theatre earlier this year after the town agreed to terminate its lease with Bow Tie LLC, in January.
Prior to that, it had been closed for months, with the exception of a few short openings, due to COVID-19.
The current building also needs upgrades to be compliant with the American with Disabilities Act and general maintenance, according to Mann. The town is getting bids for the projects.
Selectman Nick Williams asked whether the reserve fund will cover all of the work needed on the Playhouse.
“It will be close,” Mann answered.
The roof is being analyzed to see if it solar panels can be installed on the roof, consistent with several other town buildings and schools, according to senior engineer Joe Zagarenski.
On May 19, Gov. Ned Lamont is expected to lift many of the business restrictions, and movie theater capacity could go up to 100 percent.
The restrictions that will be lifted include limits on attendance and social distancing rules for businesses such as event venues, bars and nightclubs. Indoor masking will continue even after May 19, according to Lamont’s announcement.
While the loosening of these restrictions may help the movie theater business as a whole, the focus for the Playhouse is to first address the roofing project.
“Roofs have to be done when they have to be done,” Moynihan said at the meeting.