SAVE THE WILLIAMS CENTER/Newman Theatre:

For decades, the William Carlos Williams Performing Arts Center, formerly the Rivoli Theatre, was the jewel of our downtown arts and retail district, attracting world famous artists to its stage. The William Center's owner, Bergen County, is planning to auction it this summer.  Rutherford is currently creating a development plan that will determine what the future owner is able to do with the site. 

I am writing to urge that the historic Newman Theatre be preserved and restored.  Destroying the Newman Theater and creating a much smaller theater in its place is an inadequate solution because small stand-alone theaters are not financially viable.  Reviving the Center's mission as a thriving arts center will bring much needed foot traffic and funds to nearby businesses, and create a vibrant commons for local residents and visitors.  

Don't let this beautiful and historic building be destroyed.  I request that Rutherford and Bergen County mandate in any redevelopment plan and in any contract with a developer, that they preserve the Newman Theatre.   Lets protect Rutherford's unique history while working together toward a more prosperous and creative future! 

 

Notes about community meetings:  The Rutherford Council is currently voting on a Redevelopment Plan for the Williams Center that could determine whether the Newman Theater gets restored and preserved or is allowed to be demolished. On Monday, June 14, they took the first vote and only Maria Begg-Roberson voted to reject the current plan because it does not contain language to preserve the Newman theater and does not incorporate the Planning Board's recommendations.  

The final vote will likely take place on Monday, June 28, at 6:30pm. Residents can join the meeting via Zoom.

Please write to the council and attend the final council vote. Tell the council why you love the Williams Center and that you want language in the Redevelopment Plan that requires restoration of the Newman Theater.

Next Mayor and Council meeting – Monday, June 28, 6:30pm. Info on joining meeting will be at Rutherford Boro Site.  https://www.rutherfordboronj.com/

Write to the Council members: 

Mark Goldsack mgoldsack@rutherfordboronj.com

Stephanie McGowan smcgowan@rutherfordboronj.com

Thomas Mullahey tmullahey@rutherfordboronj.com

Maria Begg-Roberson mbegg-roberson@rutherfordboronj.com

Matthew Cokeley mcokeley@rutherfordboronj.com

Ray Guzman rguzman@rutherfordboronj.com

To make a donation to the Williams Center and our cause, please use this link: https://williamscenter-150653.square.site/

For more information about this petition, please email questions to savethenewman@gmail.com or savethewcwc@gmailcom