Save 51 Main

I remember August 2007 when Dean of the College/Provost Tim Spears asked me down to look at the Eat Good Food space at 51 Main Street in town. He asked me, “What do see in this space?” I said, a jazz lounge. It eventually became a chocolate bar and then just a bar when it opened in May 2008.

Now, it’s November 2008 and the question is: Will 51 Main survive?

Tim Spears writes on his blog, One Dean’s View:

51 Main appears to be filling a niche, but given the current fiscal situation, the establishment may be a program that the College should reassess. …So the funding for the venue is targeted. However, we could go back to the donor, and ask that he redefine the terms of the gift so that it can be used for other purposes. If we were able to redirect the gift, the money would then be put toward general budget relief. President Liebowitz and I are willing to pursue this option, but not without first hearing from students. Is 51 Main succeeding? Should the College support its continued development?

You don’t have to ask me twice. I am a strong supporter of 51 Main. Are you? Leave your comments here or over on Dean Spears’ Blog.

If students aren’t careful, we’ll be kicking off a “Save 51 Main” drive sooner rather than later, something the Organic Garden hopefully won’t have to do when the President’s Office told the group they would need to find alternate funding.

UPDATE 11/24: The twenty positive comments on Dean Spears’ blog make it clear that 51 Main is not just welcomed, but essential to keep 51 Main alive and running. Keep the comments rolling!