The Basilica has become a gathering space for the local community over the last many years, blessed by Patti Smith herself in 2003 for The Friends of Hudson Foundation -- as a benefit in protest against the development of a massive cement plant that would have occupied the beautiful city of hudson's waterfront. This event and fight against the plant was successful and changed the fate of this unique river town forever. The Basilica Hudson, hopes to honor as well as continue in this spirit as a host to the artistic and cultural community at large.