Review committee formed on management of Music Hall
COHOES, N.Y. » Mayor Bill Keeler revealed that he has assembled an independent committee of experts to review the proposals received to manage the Cohoes Music Hall.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cohoes Music Hall has been closed since March, leading Keeler to the decision in April to cancel the current contracts, which carry a net cost to the taxpayers in excess of $200,000.00 per year.
Immediately following the cancellation of those contracts, in keeping with his commitment to the arts and their role in the burgeoning downtown business community, Keeler issued a Request for Proposals to manage the Music Hall.
“We received six unique proposals, each with their own merits. All of these proposals would achieve the goal of continuing the high caliber of entertainment we have seen in the Music Hall in recent years while achieving six-figure annual savings for the taxpayers.” Keeler commented on the proposals.
The review committee is composed of those with backgrounds in theatre management, arts education, youth theatre, hospitality management, dance, small business ownership, and municipal finance.
The group will be co-chaired by Ralph Pascale, owner of Spendwood School of Dance in Cohoes, and Salvatore Prizio, Program and Event Manager for Proctors.
“Ralph, Sal, and all of the members of this review committee have deep connections to our community and are experts in their respective fields. I am confident that together they will identify the entity best equipped to get our Music Hall on a sustainable path for years to come.” Keeler explained.
The committee will begin by reviewing the proposals and determining which among them should be called in for a final interview. Following the interview process, the committee will make a recommendation to the mayor and Common Council regarding who they believe is the best choice to be awarded the contract to manage the Music Hall.
“This is a decision of monumental importance for the future of our city, and is not being taken lightly,” Community and Economic Development Director Steve Napier said. “The process will by necessity move in an expeditious manner though, as there are many businesses and residents counting on the foot traffic generated by that Music Hall.
“We as a city are doing everything in our power to ensure that the Music Hall is well equipped to re-open as soon as is safe and allowable by law.”