Cultural center funding in jeopardy thanks to deficit
The Daily Mail
Feb. 28, 2009

Cost of window repairs and other ongoing work covered with money from other sources

ATHENS — Last fall, the Athens Cultural Center, on Second Street, won a $10,000 grant from the New York State Historic Preservation Office for restoration work.

But Carol Pfister, who serves as a center’s treasurer, has been informed that the money may not be coming after all.

Pfister received a letter from State Sen. James L. Seward (R-Milford) informing her that as of Feb. 9, the grant money may not be delivered.

The letter explains that the legislature approved Gov. David A. Paterson’s deficit reduction plan, which “’diverted or ‘swept’ money from the funding pool set aside to pay senate legislature initiatives to the general funs in order to help with the deficit.”

Money may be available after April 1, the letter reads. It recommends that no work which would have been paid for by the grant be done until that time.

“We are OK so far,” Pfister said, adding that the center has been able to cover window repairs, casement restoration and other ongoing work with funds from other sources.

A work contract between the Athens center and a contractor outlining a 120-day work schedule was signed in January and the center has already paid $1,500.

Pfister estimates that the project will cost more than $8,000.

The loss of grant money does, however, cast a shadow on future grants and fund sources.

“We are worried about eventually,” she said.

The center will get a $2,500 reimbursement from the Greene County Main Street Revitalization Project grant once work is completed, she said.

She said that a long-term goal for the center is the completion of a classroom on the building’s second floor.

Next month, the center will put on an art show featuring works by its members. The show will run from March 28 through April.

Pfister said that she and the other center directors have embarked on a membership drive, sending letters to everyone in Athens. A fund-drive gala has been scheduled for June 13.