RBTL: Play the ponies, then see a play

By Jeremy Moule on October 29, 2009

The way Farmington officials and their partners see it, a new theater next to the Racino could mean more money for the Rochester Broadway Theater League, as well as more bodies in the seats.

This afternoon, the town made its pitch for RBTL to locate its proposed new theater next to Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. The pitch was heavy on details and projections, but the idea was simple. It's a highly visible site with good access that's already zoned for the use, said Ron Brand, the town's planner. It's located close to the Thruway and close to state Routes 96 and 332, he said. And the environmental review should be smooth, since there are no significant issues or features to worry about, Brand said. And it's got the utilities.

"Our site is shovel ready," Brand said. "You have the political support."

Under town laws, the site could hold a 200,000-square-foot theater up to seven stories tall.

A representative from the Finger Lakes Visitors Connection highlighted some of the attractions in and around the Farmington area. Culinary tourism is big in the area, he said, with restaurant options ranging from chains to ethnic food. There's also the New York Wine and Culinary Center. There are 1,500 hotel rooms, ranging from high-end to economy, in the vicinity, he said. And there are other attractions, including Eastview Mall.