Board Cuts Darien Arts Center Some Slack

The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved a request from the Darien Arts Center to waive the recent town-facility fee increase until September of 2010.

Rental fees for town facilities were adjusted on Dec. 8 of last year for the first time since 1997. The first bump took effect on Jan. 1, with a second increase scheduled for July 1. For town-owned spaces like the Senior Center, rent will almost triple—a cause for concern for groups like the DAC who frequent the space (about 20 hours a week, 22 weeks a year) and price their programs accordingly.

Executive Director Amy Allen spoke on behalf of the DAC. She explained that programs and billing at the Senior Activities Center had already been publicized by the time she heard word of the increase last December.

"At this point we can't increase fees to accommodate programs," said Allen.

The DAC is currently paying $5.50 per hour she said, and come July, the group will pay $15 for rent alone. Air conditioning and heat are an additional cost.

"Putting it off till fall allows us to reevaluate what we're offering," said Allen of the requested nine-month deferral.

The board unanimously approved Allen's request.