BROOKLYN, NY (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — NYC Department of Parks and Recreation has issued a 'Request for Expressions of Interest' soliciting proposals from venue operators interested in running the $64-million amphitheater under consideration for Asser Levy Park in Coney Island.
The venue under consideration would see the city replacing the existing band shell with a new and expanded amphitheater which will include a permanent stage house, and removable and seasonal audience seating areas and restrooms as well as improvements to drainage at the site. The amphitheatre under consideration will include a stage house, paved area accommodating removable seating for 5,000 persons and raised lawn area which would make space for an additional 3,000 persons for events and is projected to be completed by 2012.
While not to the stage of actively seeking bids to manage the facility yet, the proposal calls on interested parties to offer "input and expressions of interest in the management and maintenance of the proposed facility." The proposal notes that any potential suitor to manage the site would need to produce year-round events at the facility as well as providing discounted and free concession services and youth outreach programs. The city also notes that they are interested in maintaining the same level of free concerts already offered at the existing band shell.
The city said that they estimate staffing, security and maintenance may be in the $500,000-$700,000 range annually at the venue, exclusive of any programming costs>.
"The possibilities are endless-music has always thrived in this location, and I imagine this new venue being a wonderful home for a summer residency for a philharmonic or a ballet company. I am hopeful that, as in the case of Brooklyn's Loew's Kings theater earlier this year, this Request for Expressions of Interest yields creative responses leading to a partnership that will provide for innovative and successful programming, maintenance and operation of the facility in the years to come." Brookyln Borough president Marty Markowitz told the Brooklyn Paper. – CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
