RAY BROOK - The state Adirondack Park Agency issued a permit to the Warren County-based Creative Stage Lighting Inc. to relocate and expand its existing facility in a move that is expected to retain 60 jobs in Warren County.
The manufacturer, wholesale supplier and distributor of a broad range of products for the stage and theatrical lighting profession plans to build a new, 73,000-square-foot commercial building along state Route 28N in Chestertown, 2 miles north of the company's current location in North Creek, keeping the company in Warren County and the Adirondack Park.
The approved project includes a 9,000-square-foot office area, a 58,000-square foot shop area and a 6,000-square-foot stage rigging area.
Creative Stage Lighting Inc. presently employs about 40 full-time employees and anticipates hiring 20 to 25 more employees in the manufacturing and sales sector once the new facility is fully operational. In addition, 12 to 24 full-time-equivalent construction trade jobs will be generated during the 34-week construction period.
Creative State Lighting Inc. has more than 30 years of industry experience. Its clients have included Phish, Third Day, Meatloaf, Transworld and Jesse McCartney. It has provided services for professional events such as the Empire State Games and Stars on Ice. For more information about Creative Stage Lighting Inc., go to www.creativestagelighting.com.
"Creative Stage Lighting represents the type of industry that is needed to help diversify and strengthen the economy of the Adirondack Park," APA Chairwoman Lani Ulrich said in a press release. "The approved expansion is vital to the company's continued success and will create skilled jobs that will ensure Adirondackers are able to remain in their home towns. This is another example that the Adirondack Park is open for business."
APA Executive Director Terry Martino said in the release, "Agency staff worked judiciously with representatives from Creative Stage Lighting, local government officials and concerned neighbors to mitigate potential adverse impacts while still satisfying the company's expansion needs. The Agency believes this project will have profound economic impacts locally and regionally without negatively affecting neighboring properties, community character or the surrounding environment. We wish Creative Stage Lighting Inc. success in their future endeavors."