Little Theatre's roof emergency wins CPC support after heated debate; council appropriation next step

Little Theatre Fall River appealed for emergency funding on Sept. 15, telling the Community Preservation Committee that longstanding leaks have worsened to the point that rain pours into the building during performances and rehearsals.

The theater’s board members said the 1874 building has suffered accelerating slate loss and interior water intrusion, and that temporary patches this spring were insufficient. Applicants reported they had raised $31,000 and sought roughly $155,000 to replace the main historic roof with a slate‑look composite product used on other local projects.

Committee members debated whether the situation met the CPC’s emergency standard. Opponents said the roof had been leaking for years and could have been submitted earlier in the normal application cycle; supporters argued the leaks have intensified recently and that continued water infiltration threatens the organization’s operations and the building’s structural condition.

After extended discussion the committee approved an amended emergency referral that conditions disbursement on historical‑commission approval and required deed‑restriction paperwork for CPC funding. The committee recorded a roll call in which a majority supported forwarding the emergency appropriation to the City Council; the application now goes to the Council for an appropriation vote.

Why it matters: Little Theatre is a long‑running community arts organization whose performances draw audiences that support local businesses. Committee members noted that funding a roof replacement now could prevent larger structural damage and protect an active community venue, but also emphasized the CPC’s need to follow precedents for emergency allocations.

What applicants must provide next: final contractor agreement and invoice, proof of matching fundraising, deed restriction paperwork requested by CPC staff, and a letter or determination from the Fall River Historic Commission confirming that the proposed composite roofing material is acceptable for the building’s historic status. The CPC chair said the appropriation would be sent to the City Council once those items are in order.