Town approached to use theater site as office space

Monroe - The New York City financial institution that now controls the would-be movie theater property overlooking the Mill Pond has suggested the town could use the land for an office building. Monroe Town Councilman Donald Weeks said town officials recently met with the bank officers who expressed interest in what would be best for the town of Monroe. The original property owner has washed his hands of the project. Now it is in the hands of a New York City financial institution looking to unload it. Week said it is hard to picture what could be done with what’s there now, with its rusted beams evoking the nickname “Erector Set.” While the level of interest for this property remains to be seen, town officials are willing to have the conversation because they are considering a new town hall building. A proposal to build a joint library/town hall on the old Orange & Rockland property on Route 208 was shot down earlier this year by voters who cited the high cost and location of the property. Now the town and the library are separately exploring their options. Weeks said residents frequently ask him why the town can’t do something about the unfinished site. “First of all, the site is privately owned and is located in the village of Monroe,” Weeks said. “The town is not in the real estate business. In this case, the new owners came to us asking for our input.” The two parties will meet again within the next few weeks for further discussion. “Nothing might happen but at least we had the opportunity,” added Weeks.