It is unfortunate that the proposal to convert the Academy Street School into a cultural arts center has been recast by our current first selectman as a self-serving effort by the Shoreline Arts Alliance (SAA). Nothing could be further from the truth.

In 2013, I wrote a proposal to use the Academy Street School building as a cultural arts and conference center, realizing firsthand that Madison had few public facilities for artistic performances, art classes, art exhibits, dance classes, music instruction, adult education classes, small conferences, and meeting rooms for various civic organizations, etc. I had been in many art groups and civic organizations that struggled to find suitable space for classes, meetings, and exhibits. A friend recommended that we invite Eric Dillner, director of the Shoreline Arts Alliance and a Madison resident, to advise us on the proposal. He did not seek us out, we sought his help. As it turned out, he was very enthusiastic about the proposal.

The SAA has worked very hard and in good faith to obtain initial funding from the state, add a professional dimension to the original proposal, and to introduce Madison residents to the concept through tours, neighborhood meetings, and presentations to several civic and professional groups. Its efforts have been very transparent.

We should respect and appreciate the commitment of the SAA and at least provide it with a reasonable opportunity to raise the necessary funds to renovate the Academy Street School building and convert it into a cultural arts center that will address many of our community needs, elevate Madison to a competitive status culturally with other shoreline communities, and enhance the downtown area aesthetically, culturally, and economically.

Richard Passero

Madison