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Pickwick Theatre sponsors pitch phased restoration, seek $739,000 in New York Forward funds
Summary
Owners of the Pickwick Theatre outlined a phased restoration with a $739,000 New York Forward request (phase 2) and an overall project cost of approximately $985,000; sponsors said initial internal work would start with owner funds and that stage‑one work could begin in January, taking roughly six months.
Paul Skadratico and team presented a phased plan to restore the Pickwick Theatre and reposition it as a cultural anchor for downtown Dobbs Ferry. Staff displayed project numbers showing a New York Forward request of $739,000 for phase two and a total project cost of about $985,000.
Skadratico described the theater as a long‑running entertainment venue and said the proposal would rejuvenate the lobby and, with grant funds, undertake subsequent stage‑planning and larger theatrical upgrades including new bathrooms, lighting and sound equipment. He said the sponsors already invest in the property and plan to use private financing for an initial phase and to pursue New York Forward support for further restoration.
Committee members questioned seating capacity, projected usage and revenue models. Skadratico said preliminary plans projected seating between roughly 250 and 350 and estimated a six‑month timeline for the first stage of construction if work begins in January. LPC members pressed for more detail on revenue streams and fundraising; Skadratico pointed to diversified income from existing entertainment businesses, rentals and a local school of music and the possibility of donor fundraising.
Staff asked LPC members to score the project for co‑benefits and cost‑effectiveness; the Pickwick project scored highly on co‑benefits and was judged a strong use of funds in the Mentimeter exercise. Sponsors will return clarifications requested by LPC and participate in public outreach events to gather community feedback.
