Ceremony Starts New Goodspeed Musicals Initiative
November 18, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) — State Senator Eileen M. Daily (D-Westbrook), Senate Chair of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, took part in an East Haddam groundbreaking ceremony today to formally begin construction of a new Goodspeed Musicals initiative. The $5.5 million project represents significant economic development for the town and region.
The plan will yield 17 new homes and 65 new bedrooms for Goodspeed personnel — actors, directors, and technicians — that in turn will allow the production company to expand both its repertoire and seasonal calendar.
“All of us treasure the Goodspeed as a jewel in the regional arts community, and all of us respect the Goodspeed as an economic engine that will only become stronger now with the ability to attract and suitably house the most talented theater professionals from New York and beyond,” Senator Daily said. “This comprehensive housing project, years in the making, also represents the best of a collaborative effort, with support from the East Haddam and state governments, theater patrons, and local residents.”
Senator Daily said two unique features of this new housing complex are permeable pavement, to make the driveway part of a water storage system, and geothermal heating and cooling technology, to minimize the need for oil and gas consumption. Two unique features for the local economy are the jobs created and the property tax revenue East Haddam will realize when current housing units are returned to private ownership.
“With this project, Goodspeed is building not only homes, but an artistic village that will come alive with actors and artisans,” said Michael Price, Goodspeed’s Executive Director. “No other theatre in the country can offer such a campus . . . . During this uncertain economic climate, it is also encouraging to spur employment for dozens of construction workers, carpenters, electricians, painters, and more.”
In her remarks Senator Daily thanked Governor M. Jodi Rell for her support of a $2.5 million state grant secured through the Department of Community and Economic Development. Construction is expected to be completed and the homes ready for occupancy by the fall of 2010, she added.
Press Aide:
Laurence Grotheer
860-240-8820
Laurence.Grotheer (at) cga.ct (dot) gov
