Ed Brady Continues to Fight to Use Public Funding for His Park Theatre

Ed Brady Continues to Fight to Use Public Funding for His Park Theatre

Entrepreneur Ed Brady and his business partner Jeff Quinlan took over the historic theater in Cranston two years ago and the ride has been a bumpy one.

Brady and Quinlan have opened upward of a dozen restaurants over the years and closed a few, too.

The corporation they control, Park Avenue Theater Realty, LLC, purchased the historic structure in 2021 for $3 million. According to City records, the City of Cranston assesses the property at $3,411,500.

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Recently, the two had sought funding via the state's education initiative —  Learn365RI funding — to turn the Theater into a site for after-school learning.

For Brady and Quinlan, despite a near-endless number of events and promotions, the battle to rehab and market the theater has been difficult. The Park has housed boxing events, comedy acts, and mini-concerts. But, there have also been closures and cancelations for maintenance.

But, the issue is more complicated. Brady, a former Republican City Councilman, is a close political ally of Cranston Mayor Ken Hopkins, and the proposal, initially supported by Hopkins, to potentially purchase the Theatre or fund programs at the Park Theater came under fire for Cranston cronyism.

Hopkins announced he was dropping the idea. On September 19, while under heavy criticism, Hopkins said the idea was dead.

“I want to be clear - at no time did I recommend nor propose the Park Theatre,” said Hopkins on September 19. “Any decision will be determined in concert with key stakeholders.”

 

 

Brady Keeps Pushing

On Monday, Brady issued a press release, stating in part, “I’m extremely disappointed that the people of Cranston were not given the opportunity to hear the innovative reimagine plan for a Cranston CommUnity Center at The Historic Park Theatre and Event Center that was presented to the Mayor and his administration for consideration, by way of the Learn365RI federal grant opportunity.”

“I resigned from the Cranston City Council just over two years ago on a relentless pursuit to save our hometown community theatre. The mission was to prove a sustainable path and protect our historic theatre from possible destruction,” added Brady.

“Obtaining this federal grant funding would allow the City of Cranston to finally protect our historic asset for the future, while also giving the city of Cranston over $3 million in federal funds to renovate and reimagine a Cranston CommUnity Center. The nearly 40,000 square foot location at 848 Park Ave is centrally located in the heart of Cranston, which could not be more ideal! In the reimagine plan presented, a new non-profit would be created and overseen by a culturally inclusive board of advisors from the City of Cranston. A CommUnity Center owned by the City of Cranston, for the City of Cranston,” added Brady.

“I will be advocating for the City of Cranston to put politics aside and reconsider our historic site for the Learn365RI federal grant application and the future home of our Cranston CommUnity Center. I encourage everyone who would like to learn more about this potential opportunity to join the community discussion and let your voices be heard,” said Brady.

After a hearing by the Cranston City Council on Monday in which a couple of dozen people spoke, Brady said Tuesday, “This prospective grant could facilitate the City’s acquisition of the Historic Park Theatre property, safeguarding its 99-year history, while also securing millions in federal funding for further enhancements and improvements towards the establishment of a CommUnity Center.”

The future of the Park is now in question.  Whether Brady be able to generate enough public and political support for a buyout or for funding is an unknown, but he is continuing the effort. The show must go on.