FAQ

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions from the community:

Who is actually buying the building?

The former Dryden United Methodist Church is being bought by the non-profit Dryden Center for Community which is incorporated in the state of NY and is awaiting their 501(c)3 status. We are an independent non-profit made up of people interested in bringing a community center to the village and are not affiliated with the Methodist Church at all.

Are you changing the outside of the building?

The iconic and historic building is going to look the same. We have no intention of changing the outside of the building. There are some upgrades that we would like to do in the interior to enhance comfort, accessibility and space use.

Didn't Dryden just get a big grant from the state? Can't that money be used to buy the building?

The New York Forward grant money can be used to renovate existing structures or build on currently-owned property. Unfortunately, it can not be used to purchase property. The Dryden Center for Community has applied for funding through New York Forward to install air-source heat pumps to provide heating (and cooling!) for the building, a flooring upgrade (for dance classes and yoga), kitchen upgrades, and a larger elevator.

Where is the donated money going?

The funds that we are raising right now through our GoFundMe campaign, PayPal link on the website, or by checks in the mail to our P.O. Box are 100% going to the purchase of the building. We need to have proof of funds by October 22 to the Methodist Conference, with whom we are under contract. We have a donor ready to give us a private bridge loan to cover the shortfall if we do not raise $275,000 by that date so that the purchase can go through. Money that is raised beyond $275,000 will be going towards other costs at the Center for our first year of service, including insurance, utilities, staff, and maintenance.

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