OXFORD – Since the Night Eagle Cafe’s departure, local residents have taken it upon themselves to orchestrate a community effort in selecting a new business or venture for the downtown Oxford location. The group is headed by the owners of the Lafayette Park storefront, David and Mary El Emerson, who have already been approached about renting the space.
“We wanted the community’s input. Right now, we’re certainly concentrating around the arts, maybe something to do with learning, the youth or entertainment. We have a lot of different venues to consider,” said Mary El.
The group held its first meeting at the vacant building Jan. 14 and will be holding another at 2 p.m on Sunday at the old Night Eagle building. The public is welcome.
During the last meeting, around 30 to 35 people gathered and discussed a variety of topics. “The last thing I want is to create another Night Eagle,” said David. However as the conversation continued, the main theme of ideas appeared to want just that. Many expressed a heavy desire to continue the creative arts atmosphere including things like, poetry slams, open mic nights and the off-beat artistic feel. Many in the audience agreed that a venue should include entertainment geared toward music.
There was also some talk of making the venue a non-profit organization, perhaps linked to the Council of the Arts, making it tax-exempt and eligible for state grants.
Chenango County Council of the Arts Executive Director Victoria C. Kappel said, “I felt there was a lot of good energy in the room. It really ran the gamut from artists to art organizations to concerned citizens, many types all very interested. Certainly the Arts Council is very interested in it continuing as some sort of cultural venue. I’m sure we will be involved in some way.”