Planning Board grants 12-month extension for Stissing Center renovations

PINE PLAINS — Planning Board members approved a second renewal for ongoing renovations to the Stissing Center, an arts venue in downtown Pine Plains.

Board members granted a 12-month renewal of the Stissing Center’s site plan, allowing the project to continue while construction moves forward. Planning board approvals typically expire after a set period if projects are not completed, requiring applicants to request extensions while work continues.

Patrick Trettenero, Executive Director of the Stissing Center, explained the 200-year-old building is undergoing significant renovations to solidify the building’s structure, replace the roof, and enhance the center’s ability to show films in addition to its regular roster of performances and musical acts.

Trettenero described the renovations as extensive. He said the current phase of the project, which involved replacing much of the building’s structural supports, is within six weeks of completion. Phase four will see a large addition to the building’s rear. Trettenero said that work may take longer than a year, and board members may have to grant another extension next March.

Earlier steps in the renovation included enhancing the building’s parking space and improvements to the basement that allowed the Stissing Center to open Grace Note — an intimate music venue space and bar below the center’s main event hall.

Board members unanimously approved the renewal. Planning Board attorney Warren Replansky said forward progress on the project was heartening. Board Chair Michael Stabile agreed and said the board would reconsider another renewal next year if necessary.

“They’re making progress,” Replansky said. “That’s what matters.”

The Stissing Center’s renovations were first heard and approved by the Planning Board in 2024. Board members granted a 12-month extension for the project last March. The most recent renewal is the second extension the center has received for major renovations to the building’s structure.

Trettenero said the Stissing Center still has to secure additional funding for the final phase of the project.

“We have to raise some money this year to unlock some matching funds from the State of New York to finish that phase,” Trettenero said. “We are confident we’ll get there.”