(File photo)
By Mike Pettinella
For Video News Service
The attorney representing the Batavia Players on Friday said that progress is being made with the City of Batavia on a new lease and the $24,000 in back rent owed by the theatrical troupe.
However, Ted Graney of Webster Szanyi LLP, Buffalo, provided no details about a Thursday meeting between city leaders and members of the Batavia Players executive committee at the City Centre.
“We’re working cooperatively with the city and the city is working with us,” Graney said. “
We’re making progress toward a new lease.”
Graney, a Batavia native, said he could not comment on the terms or length of the lease, which reportedly is for five years. The previous five-year agreement between the parties for Main St. 56 Theater space at the City Centre ran out at the end of 2024.
An email to City Manager Rachael Tabelski on Friday seeking information about the meeting was not returned.
City Council President Eugene Jankowski, contacted on Saturday morning, said he wasn’t at the meeting but was told by Tabelski that the meeting went well and “progress is being made.”
Jankowski said Tabelski is expected to update City Council in executive session following Monday night’s City Council meeting.
Video News Service previously reported that, according to Batavia Players’ President Patrick Burk, the terms of the lease extension (for another five years) call for monthly payments of $3,654 for a total of $219,240 to the City of Batavia.
Burk acknowledged that the organization is $24,000 behind in rent payments but is working to make up the deficit.
Meanwhile, the Batavia Players’ 2025 Annual Gala, featuring presentation of the Harvie Awards for Excellence in Theater, is set for 7 tonight at Main St. 56 Theater.
Tickets for the Gala are available at https://our.show/2025-gala