Richter House.

Over the last several weeks, much has been written about the status of Richter House and, in general, the future of the Arts at Richter Park.

Recently the Richter Park Authority voted to close the house because of ongoing issues surrounding its maintenance and its usefulness as well as safety concerns.

The fact that the house has been allowed to deteriorate over the past 25 plus years is a problem. However, now is not the time to assess blame, or to point fingers. More importantly we should review the master plan that Didona and Associates has prepared for the park, and the Authority should make decisions based on the master plan.

In the upcoming budget, I will recommend an appropriation to weather tight the building. This will ensure that there is no more deterioration of the building while a larger discussion ensues regarding how best to use the house. The work that the city will do will only preserve the status quo. It will be up to the Authority to find the money for interior renovations. Make no mistake, those renovations are extensive.

Some have critized the dollar figure that I have used in describing the renovations. Notwithstanding the exterior work, to retrofit the interior of the building to meet all current fire codes and ADA requirements the dollar figure could be as high as $750,000 depending on some key variables (under federal law, once work commences on the building, you must bring it into compliance). A sprinkler system must be installed for the second floor, potentially an elevator, handicapped accessible bathrooms must be added, asbestos must be abated in the basement, the electrical and plumbing must be upgraded as well as a number of structure related problems that exist in the building must be addressed. This estimate was made after consulting with Didona as well as our own building and engineering professionals.

This is a hefty piece of work for the Authority. The Arts community must play a fundraising role in this as well. In a slowing economy, this will be a challenge.

The larger concern is the future of Arts at Richter. The Richter family was incredibly generous in making this donation of land to Danbury. Part of their vision was to have an arts component to the use of the property. We have a responsibility to honor that wish-even if the Authority loses a few dollars in the process. It is the least we can do for the family, and a vibrant Arts program in our community is good for Danbury.

Have a great holiday weekend,

All The Best,
Mayor Mark