Location sought for cultural center
Published on February 4th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - The idea of a cultural/arts center for the town of Stoneham was put before the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday night as one place to pull all the town's cultural resources together.
Gayna Hoffman, of The Committee to Create a Stoneham Cultural Center, presented her committee's mission to the board, stating "this partnership of nonprofit and for profit groups would .... provide educational opportunities and highlight artistic, cultural, and historic programs in Stoneham."
Hoffman stated that, as a member of the Stoneham Art Gallery on Central Street, an entity virtually unknown to most people in Stoneham and where foot traffic is almost "accidental," she understands the need for visibility of all of the town's cultural programs and groups.
In addition, Hoffman foresees the center as a place where people new to the town, or just visiting, could obtain information on the many events that Stoneham offers.
Another requirement of the facility, according to Hoffman, would be the ability to gather a large assembly of people for various events.
Hoffman stated that the location of the center was an issue that she hoped the Board would give its advice on. Some of the possibilities that her group has considered are the Sweetser House across from the public library, the Dow Building in Stoneham Square, and the former Stoneham theater building. Hoffman stated that a downtown location would be most desirable.
Understanding that the locations in mind are all private property, Hoffman appealed to the Board to lend its advice on the idea as well as the best way to achieve the mission.
Selectman John Biggio called the idea a "benefit to the town," particularly if the housing of the center was in a building with historic significance that the center could help preserve.
The board voted unanimous approval to direct Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, possibly with the help of new Town Planner Steve Sedgewick, to work with the committee in investigating the creation of such a center in Stoneham.
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