Paper Mill Playhouse Partners With Township of Millburn In Historic Negotiation

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Artistic Director, Mark W. Jones-Executive Director) is proud to announce a historic decision and a new partnership with the Township of Millburn.  In March of 2007, Paper Mill Playhouse Management approached members of the Millburn Township Committee to engage in a financial partnership with the not-for-profit theater.  After months of negotiations, the Millburn Township Committee voted unanimously last night to pass an ordinance allowing the township to purchase the land and buildings situated on Brookside Drive from Paper Mill Playhouse for nine-million dollars.

"With this unprecedented support from the township, Paper Mill Playhouse will get the fresh financial start it needs", stated Mark W. Jones, Paper Mill's Executive Director.  "Through the due diligence of this committee, Paper Mill has been able to make a case to our donors, who envision making Millburn's theater a nationally acclaimed center for American Musical Theater Study and Performance."

Through this land purchase, Paper Mill Playhouse plans to pay off the loan from Investors Savings Bank last year that covered a 2007 operating deficit,  provide working capitol for the theater and add to a newly created endowment seeded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation earlier this year. The township will lease back the property to Paper Mill Playhouse for up to 75 years with an option to repurchase in year eleven.  "Through the actions of Millburn's Township Committee, the township has become a national leader in supporting the cultural life of its residents", says Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill's Artistic Director.  "Paper Mill Playhouse is a shining example of what the arts can do to enhance arts education in our schools, transform lives and provide economic benefits to a thriving downtown."

Millburn Mayor Sandra Haimoff commented, "This is a win-win situation for the Township of Millburn and Paper Mill Playhouse…Millburn will purchase a valuable piece of real estate while supporting the arts organization that economically drives our downtown."  Committeeman Tom McDermott adds, "Last night was a historic evening for us and a chance for us to invest in our community."

This is the first time in New Jersey's history that a municipality has supported a town arts organization at such a high level.   "I hope the actions of Millburn's Township Committee will be a role model for local governments throughout the nation," statEd Howard Hirsch, Co-Chair of Paper Mill's Board of Trustees.  "Members of the Millburn Township Committee understand the economic benefits of the arts and how a strong arts organization directly impacts neighborhoods."

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