Community Music School asks to return piano to Centerbrook Meetinghouse; selectmen defer decision

Richard E. Wyman, Executive Director of the Community Music School, told the Board of Selectmen on July 1 that the school has used the Centerbrook Meetinghouse for recitals for many years and asked that the piano be returned to the building now that renovations are complete.

First Selectman Norman M. Needleman said he was not in favor of allowing the piano back into the meetinghouse. Selectman Bruce M. Glowac expressed that although he missed the piano in the building, he was concerned about the piano’s size relative to the stage, liability for the instrument once the building is town‑owned, and the condition of the floor where the instrument would sit. Glowac also noted that interior improvements and construction remain underway. Wyman said the music school pays to tune and maintain the piano and allows only those “qualified” to use it.

Selectman Stacia Libby suggested the board revisit the request in six months to a year after interior and exterior improvements are complete. The board did not approve returning the piano at this meeting; the item was deferred for future consideration.

The Centerbrook Meetinghouse is now owned by the Town of Essex and will be used as a public facility, a factor the board cited in its deliberations. If the board reconvenes the request, it may consider liability, storage, access controls and whether a different-sized instrument would be more appropriate for the stage.

The board moved on to other agenda items without approving the piano’s return.