Grant Money Will Go Towards Asbestos Abatement

The historic Goodwill Theatre located in Johnson City, New York, is under attack by various environmental issues, including toxic pigeon droppings and asbestos.

Now, many are hopeful that the historic theater will get the money it so desperately needs to undergo a proper cleaning and renovation. A $2.5 million Restore NY Grant has been applied for in order to clean out the theater.

The village of Johnson City hopes to use the money from the state-run program to renovate the Goodwill complex, and re-open the theater to the public.

The Restore NY grant money would be used to match a $72,000 federal Housing and Urban Development grant to do interior work.

The major cleanup projects include the removal of pigeon excrement (known to be toxic), replacing aged rigging systems, and removing an asbestos fire curtain from the stage area.

Many theaters have a stage curtain that is specifically designed to fall in case of fire. This fireproof curtain sometimes contains asbestos, a powerful fire retardant. However, asbestos fibers can be deadly when inhaled. Inhaled asbestos has been linked to deadly medical conditions including asbestosis, lung cancer, and pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive form of cancer, known to take the lives of patients mere months after being diagnosed.

The village would also use a portion of the grant money to demolish a few buildings, as well as to contribute to a skate park beautification project.

A previous state grant of $225,000 paid for the acquisition of the Goodwill Theatre, as well as some needed stabilization and roofing work.

The former vaudeville theater first opened back in 1921. Once restored and cleaned out, it is hoped the historic theater will cease to be a target for vandals.