Sources: RBTL in talks with Medley Centre

The Medley Centre might get a new tenant.

Several sources, close with talks, have told News 8 that the Rochester Broadway Theatre League may move its theater to the former mall in Irondequoit.

The East Irondequoit School District says it is aware of some possible new tenants at the mall.

News 8 is being told that RBTL is working on an agreement with developer Scott Congel.

RBTL Chairman Arnie Rothschild would not deny the talks saying only that there are some loose ends to tie up and he might have more to say on Tuesday.

RBTL has been looking for a new theater space for several years.

Preliminary locations included Midtown Plaza in Rochester or the Medley Centre in Irondequoit.

RBTL favored the downtown location but Rochester city officials say funding has been a major hurdle there.

Gary Walker, Spokesman for the City of Rochester released this statement:

"The city has no direct knowledge of talks between RBTL and the Medley Center. The City has long held that a performing arts center (PAC) would be a good fit at the Midtown site, but that RBTL would need to come up with enough private investment to make it feasible to ask for state, county and city assistance. RBTL would also have to come up with a plan to offset the projected $1 million-plus yearly shortfall to operate the theatre. With some cost estimates in the $70 million dollar range, especially in tough economic times, it would be a tough sell to have taxpayers pay for the construction and operation of a performing arts center. If RBTL has a deal to get a PAC for free from Mr. Congel at the Medley Center, we certainly couldn't compete with that."

The Medley Centre has had a history of financial problems.

The developer, Scott Congel, entered a Payment in Lieu of Taxes Agreement in April 2009.

It required that certain milestones be met to show investment in the property over time.

The East Irondequoit School District plans to vote Monday night on penalizing Congel for failing to meet those milestones.

East Irondequoit Deputy Superintendent John Abbott said they are trying to protect the taxpayers.

Abbott said they Congel should have shown at least $90 million of investment through April 2012, but he said their research showed just about $65 million of investment.

He said Congel has contested that there has been $93 million of investment.

If approved, the penalty could cost the developer an extra $827,000, in addition to the PILOT payment due in January.

Abbott said the district does not want to stall any future progress but is hopeful that new tenants are announced soon for the development.

He said it's in the best interest of the community and taxpayers.