On a cold and rainy Monday night, over two dozen turned up at Council chambers to voice support and enthusiasm for the potential of turning The Historic Park Theatre into a community center.

Testimony was given by Joanne McGonagle President and CEO of CCAP, Ed Brady, owner of Park Theater, Jeannine Nota Masse, Superintendent of Cranston Schools, people who originally had no intention of speaking at all, and countless other community supporters and fans of Brady's.

McGonagle spoke of why there is such a need for more community spaces. All the programs and opportunities CCAP runs, would and could benefit from more locations.

Brady spoke of how the theater is in integral part of the City taking advantage of the Learn365 grant.

"This asset, this 50,000 square foot asset directly across the street, that has over $12 million invested in it, is the right choice for the City of Cranston," he said.

Brady emphasized that there should not be any bias towards him for being a former Councilman.

"If anything, that should be held in my favor. How many times did I, work across the aisle, helping you in a bipartisan effort to create positive change? I am not going anywhere. I stand here, feet on the ground asking for the opportunity for the building next door to become the Cranston Community Center," he said.

After Brady gave his impassioned remarks he received a 15 second standing ovation.

Other speakers included Levi Pangburn, from Praise Tabernacle Church in Cranston.

Pangburn spoke Brady's devotion to Cranston, and to the less fortunate. He said Cranston should put their faith and trust in Brady as much as he has done with and to the City.

Jimmy Burchfield, Sr.; sports promoter, spoke of the importance of the Theater to Cranston's history and how hard Brady has worked to maintain the integrity of it.

Nine other speakers gave testimony to the importance of the Park to themselves, the City and the potential of what could be accomplished. As well as strong and powerful support to the type of man Ed Brady is.

Anthony Morretti, Chief of Staff for Mayor Hopkins, outlined the parameters of the Learn365 grant money, which to date would be almost seven million dollars.

"We have submitted the Phase 1 part of the application, which is a facility grant," he said.

The money must be used for a brick and mortar facility. It cannot be used to fund programs or services.

One point that was cleared up is that the City never had any intention to purchase the Theater. Social and other media outlets gave false and misleading information regarding the money situation and the grant application.

The Phase 2 portion of the application would be programming, and how the facility would be run.

Moretti explained where the funds would come from.

"The grant is provided through the US Department of Treasury, and distributed by the State of Rhode Island Pandemic Recovery Office. And, if our City decides to go forward with a community center, it needs to be available to all people," he said.

Programs that must be included are educational, health monitoring and jobs component.

Facilities and programming all must be up and running by December 31, 2026.

"Ideally, we would have a facility in mind, and build the programs around it," said Moretti.

Questions were discussed involving location, financing and restitution if grant not utilized properly.

Deadlines are quickly approaching and decisions needs to be made.