LETTER: Support Dedham Community Theater and the Square

To the Editor,

I read with interest the article “New Lux Cinema a Showstopper?” on the front page of the Oct. 22, 2009 issue of The Dedham Transcript. Since that article ran, there has been a lot of buzz about the decline in business at the Dedham Community Theatre and the effect it will have on Dedham Square if this trend continues. I wanted to take this opportunity to shed some light on this issue.

While the economy has certainly had a negative impact on all businesses in Dedham, there has been an undeniable impact when Legacy Place opened its doors. Perhaps things will settle after the “curiosity factor” runs its course and we can reach that “win-win” we all are hoping for.

One big fact remains. DCT has experienced a big drop in business over the last two months and, in turn, so have the Square merchants. If the volume of business to the theatre continues to be low, many Square businesses, already struggling in these difficult economic times, will feel the negative impact. As a resident, property owner, and business owner in Dedham, and an unabashed fan of our wonderful town, I am very concerned about the future of the theatre, Dedham Square and Dedham overall. 

Six years ago my brother Paul, his wife Janet and I opened The Blue Bunny Bookshop in the Square. While our store and other Square businesses have lots of local customers, we also get a good deal of business from people who have traveled from several towns away to go to the theatre or one of the local restaurants. It’s easy to tell when the theatre is showing a great film that attracts large crowds, I am told by Square restaurant owners they see the same impact. We all rely on the theatre to bring in new customers. It is one of the major factors in the success of the Square. 

During the hearings for Legacy Place in 2007, two independent consultants both determined that the theatre is the economic anchor of the Square, and that the sustainability of the nearby small businesses rely in large part on the theatre’s success. They agreed that should the theatre close its doors for business, the ripple effect around the Square would be devastating. As a community we need to rally around the theatre to help ensure its long term viability. Attempts are being made to reach out to National Amusements to explore options to create a “win-win” situation for both the Cinema de Lux and the Dedham Community Theatre. There is opportunity for both theatres to be successful.

Dedham Square offers something very unique to residents and visitors, which is why Paul, Janet and I chose to locate our bookstore here. With a variety of shops, restaurants and services and an art house movie theatre, we are the envy of surrounding towns. The Square is filled with lots of activity and familiar faces. Dedham Square was, and continues to be, a place where “everybody knows your name”.  

There has never been a more important time to support the theatre and the small businesses in the Square.   We need to do whatever it takes to preserve this historic gem and remind residents that a strong and vibrant downtown benefits everyone in Dedham. It’s an asset that helps protect our property values, attracts visitors and new residents, and helps to keep profits in town by retaining or recirculating money within our community. Square businesses are famous for their support of local charities, schools, youth sports and fundraisers for local friends in need.

While we move into the future, we do not want to lose the unique character that makes our community the envy of those who visit. To that end, we need to work together to make sure that the Square - and all of Dedham - remain healthy, strong and economically vibrant.

Peter H. Reynolds

President,

Dedham Square Circle