Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - "I don't think there's any question that we are caught in the middle." Randy Kramer, Executive Director of MusicalFare joined WBEN Friday to talk about the proposed community theatre project that is going to a public vote this summer.
MusicalFare is at the center of a dispute in the Town of Amherst.
The Town Board wants to borrow $11 million dollars to build a community theater at Central Park for MusicalFare. But a citizens group, had petitions validated this week, for a public referendum on the project that will be scheduled sometime in late July or early August.
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"There's a lot of misinformation that is being put out there," Kramer added.
For example, he said Amherst had an 11.4% tax increase that has been tied to the project. But he said not one dollar of the tax increase is going to the theater.
"There's no impact for the town, yet it's been a rallying cry for people.
Somehow, he said, people think that if there's no theater, the tax increase will go down. But the two are not connected whatsoever."
Kramer also said there is misinformation about the bond money.
"Everyone says it's $11 million dollars. Number one, the theater is budgeted at $10 million dollars. The $11 million is what they have to take out as a contingency on the bond. And, we're working very hard to keep the costs exactly at that. As a matter of fact, we've cut 12 thousand square feet from the building because we're trying to keep it in that vicinity."
He also points out that of the $10 million dollars, MusicalFare is going to pay $3.3 million when they open the theater. "The bond for $3.3 million will be paid off immediately. So you're left with 6.6 million for a 30 year investment."
Kramer admits the timing of the project could not be worse but he remains optimistic.
"We haven't had talks with the town to determine the next steps. But they have reiterated to us that they are still firmly behind the project. I believe we're going to be able to do this. It's not going to be easy," he said, "but we'll figure out a way to make this work."