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New Era Creative Space cleared to open small theater at 201 Esther Street
Summary
The Planning Commission granted final site-plan approval for New Era Creative Space to convert 201 Esther Street to a small theater, deeming the work a Type 2 action under SEQR. The organization plans primarily youth programming (class sizes about 5–20; typical occupancy 10–35) and will coordinate larger events with school district facilities.
The Peekskill Planning Commission approved final site-plan use for New Era Creative Space to convert a retail storefront at 201 Esther Street into a small theater. Joseph Thompson, the project's architect, said New Era has served youth arts and performing-arts programs since 2013 in Peekskill and that the renovated space will accommodate regular classes (average 5–20 students) and occasional larger events (about 4–5 per year), with coordination for larger performances at school or other community venues.
Leslie Fields Cruz, New Era’s artistic director, spoke in support: “...it is a joy,” she said, describing the benefit to students. Commissioners confirmed the use is grandfathered with respect to parking and moved to deem the conversion a Type 2 action under SEQR; final site-plan approval was then granted with conditions in the staff report and an expiration date of 09/11/2025.
