Saugerties residents gathered Monday at The Orpheum Theater for a “Community Conversations” event hosted in collaboration by ShoutOut Saugerties a volunteer operated community organization and Upstate Films a nonprofit dedicated to enriching lives through cinema. The discussion centered on affordable housing, zoning policies, and local initiatives. Housing Smart Communities Task Force Chair Diane Collello sought to dispel misconceptions, stating, “People hear affordable housing and think it’s going to be all drug addicts… That’s not accurate.” Midway through the event, attendee Stephanie Bassler announced her candidacy for the Town Board of Saugerties. The Orpheum, a 116-year-old movie theater, has long hosted civic gatherings, but organizers say more space and time are needed to keep the community informed.

The Orpheum Theater, Saugerties, NY. Bahram Foroughi/The Overlook

An earlier version of this article understated the event’s attendance.

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