Politics & Government

Town Council Grants Odeum Brief Extension; Remains Skeptical

The theater has until Dec. 12 to show it has raised the necessary funds to open for business.

Odeum board president Frank Prosnitz appeared before the Town Council Monday night, seeking an extension before it has to begin paying property taxes that have been accruing since 2009. The Council granted an extension only until Dec. 12.

The Odeum had operated as a nonprofit exempt from taxes and seeks to retain that status. It closed in 2007 because it did not have the funds to comply with stringent new fire code regulations. Those last year, creating an opportunity for the Odeum to reopen for significantly less than previously thought.

According to Prosnitz, the Odeum needs about $140,000 to open. It has applied for a Champlin Foundations grant for just over that amount and will find out whether or not it gets it in November. So Prosnitz asked the Council for an extension to March 2012.

The Council, however, decided it did not want to give the Odeum that much time.

So far, according to Prosnitz, about $15,000 has been raised through fundraising efforts. He admits that’s a low number considering that they’ve been at work for more than a year.

“Fundraising has been slow,” Prosnitz said. “We’re up against anti-poverty programs, the environment, health care,” he said about the competing interests for donations. But, he said, there are a number of projects that are ongoing, including a fundraiser planned for early November at the Varnum Armory.

The Odeum is also looking for sponsors willing to put up $150 apiece to refurbish individual theater seats. The plan is for the seats to be sent out to a company in Michigan. If the Champlin grant is acheived, the seats could be sent out in December, after the grant money is distributed.

Prosnitz declined to speculate as to what the Odeum Corp. would do if it did not receive a Champlin grant.

Members of the Council questioned Prosnitz on everything from the amount of money raised so far to why board members haven’t committed in a significant way.

“Why is it ‘about $15,000’?” said Councilman Mark Gee, suggesting that Prosnitz should have a firmer grasp on the amount of money raised.

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“My thought has always been, ‘Why don’t they hire someone'" - a professional who could raise the money, Gee said.

Gee also questioned the Odeum board’s commitment, suggesting that perhaps if they were really invested in the Odeum, they would have made substantial donations.

Prosnitz spoke highly of the members of the Odeum Board, arguing that they were working hard to help reopen the theater and had contributed to the various fundraisers that had taken place.

“I have no qualms with the efforts of the board members,” he said.

Councilman Jeff Cianciolo asked Prosnitz just what was happening with the building’s mortgage. The mortgage for the Odeum is held by Steve Erinakes; the title is held by the Odeum Corp. To date, the Odeum has paid no money toward the mortgage.

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Prosnitz told the Council on Monday that the board was talking with Erinakes about the situation. He said on Tuesday that for Erinakes, it’s a matter of “feeling comforable with the direction we’re going.”

“I think too much is being made of this,” said Prosnitz, referring to the lack of payments and the possible negative impact that could have if at some point Erinakes decided he wanted to sell the building.

“I don’t have any inkling that he wouldn’t want the Odeum to survive,” Prosnitz said, referring to Erinakes, who's family has owned the theater for decades.

“I think part of what’s going on now is that Steve’s feeling his way,” said Prosnitz.

Councilman remained skeptical.

“Are they really raising money and are they really committed?” said Gee. “I really question whether they have raised $15,000.”

Councilman Jeff Cianciolo was similarly dubious. “They have a big challenge,” he said. “Do I want them to survive? Absolutely. I’m just concerned.”


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