The historic, one of a kind Chautauqua Amphitheater (The Amp) still stands but, if Chautauqua Institution President Tom Becker gets his way, it will only serve the beautiful Victorian lakeside resort for one more summer season. Becker and his institution board have been pushing what they refer to as a “renewal of our Amp”. But,what they mean by renewal is actually demolition of the venerable open air pavilion so they can build a biggie sized replica in its place. Prior to using the term “renewal” Becker and his board were describing the demolition as a “rehabilitation”. They did this up until it was pointed out that demolition is not the same thing as rehabilitation. After much criticism of the demolition plan, the Institution put the project on hold so that they could spend the 2015 summer season campaigning for demolition. They called this campaign “community engagement”. At the end of the summer the Institution Board voted to advertise for demolition and construction bids.
The Board is now scheduled to vote on acceptance of the bids received at this weekend’s board meeting November 6 and 7. If they vote to accept the bids the Institution will proceed with removing the most historic, possibly most important building on the Institution grounds after the 2016 summer season. It will be replaced with a building pretending to be the original historic building. Let’s repeat that; the people running this gorgeous historic resort village will be voting to build a new structure pretending to be the building they will be demolishing.
Perhaps you are wondering what this has to do with Buffalo. It has everything to do with Buffalo and with America. The Amp is an important piece of American heritage. It is also an important piece of Buffalo’s regional heritage. The loss of this building is a loss to Buffalo which, benefits greatly from the unique historic regional landscape in which it sits. losing the Amp is to move one step closer to everyplace USA; one step closer to the bland corporate sprawl-scape that covers too much or our country. Once the Amp is gone it will be gone for ever. Buffalo should understand this finality more than most places. The fake replacement will just be a giant mockery of the history lost. It must not be lost.
Make your voice heard. Tell Tom Becker and his board that the Amp cannot be replaced. Tell them that demolition should not be an option. Tell them this week before they vote. You can possibly make a difference. You can contact the Institution here:
Chautauqua Institution
P.O. Box 28
One Ames Ave.
Chautauqua, N.Y. 14722