Don’t forget to mention the fact that ALL TAXES will be REBATED to the convention center to pay back the bonds. If there is not enough TAX DOLLARS available at the end of the year, GENERAL FUNDS could be used to pay them back…
In addition, the Village is going to impose an extra 1% sales tax in the mall area to be GIVEN TO THE MALL-PRIVATE DEVELOPERS-TO FUND THEIR IMPROVEMENTS for things such as a water main on mall (private) property. That’s why Long/Peterson didn’t sell the mall, at the last minute, the Village offered him a sweetheart deal. News sources were reporting up until that day the mall was sold, then wham! Now Village residents are going to have to pay an extra tax to shop in their own town while the Mayor encourages Lombardians to “Shop Lombard”.
It’s amusing and ironic to me that the few theatre detractors try so hard NOT to bring these points up, to always try to deflect them, because they make their stance so silly. They think the Village is going to listen to them about what they want there IF the theatre is destroyed-HA!! Not a chance. They’ll probably be looking at a huge high-rise condo that’s for the “betterment of the Village”…
I just read that the National Park Service Save Our Treasure’s grant is still going to the Theatre, they ignored the Village’s request to deny the grant, since it was made out to the Foundation, NOT the Village. Now there is a lawsuit that, from what I hear, is SUPPORTED by the State and Federal goverments. Lombard’s really, really, looking bad right now; here’s it’s own citizens and the 2 highest forms of goverment in the land that sees the much-needed value this project would bring to an underdeveloped area for it’s residents, and the Village Board feels that it would rather see an empty lot. The Board is really mad because people outside their little sphere of influence have become involved, and they will have to do A LOT OF EXPLAINING. I can’t wait!!
A few interesting points. The Morton Arboretum, just down the road from Lombard, recieved a MILLION DOLLARS from the State today. This is in addition to millions they have already recieved from similar sources. Was this the million that was destined for Lombard? Probably, since they both applied for the money at about the same time.
In a move of sheer hypocrisy, the Village of Lombard Board accepted several hundred thousand TAX DOLLARS for the Lombard Park District. Apparently Lombard know tells the State of Illinois what it’s going to do. We’ll see how long that lasts, before some people come down and start asking some hard questions…
Challenger/DebDupe (ever notice how thwy always seem to post one right after another, just minutes apart, like they are running to a different computer) to say virtually the same thing?
A “fully funded plan not dependant on the taxpayers getting taken to the cleaners.” Please elaborate on that. What does that mean? How would taxpayers be taken to the cleaners? They’re property taxes would not go up with the theatre project (unlike the library plan, which is dependant on property taxe increases). There will be no additional sales taxes charged to pay for the project (unlike the Yorktown Mall area and it’s use of tax dollars to pay for private development). There would be no property tax increases to pay for infrastructure (as will be required by the convention center/hotel). Not to mention the business plan that shows the theatre easily making money every year (unlike the convention center) and also the fact that there is a steady stream of events that could be held there (unlike the convention center. There is also very little competition in this are for performing arts venues of this sort (unlike the convention center).
An agenda? You bet! Against a Trustee? Not a chance, but against a system!!!
“As long as the theatre is standing, the property most likely can’t sell… Time is of the essence. Once the building is leveled, the property will become hot and sell quickly.”
This is a quote from Robert DiFino, someone who is claiming he’s not against the theatre and wants to work with restoration groups to see if a solution can be reached…Sure seems that way to me, how about you?
“My vision for saving it. Remove the marquee, ticket booth, etc. Develop the block (Library or other)only if the stuff removed is incorporated into it.
posted by Challenger on Aug 3, 2005 at 1:56pm”
Boy, that really sounds like someone who’s not against the theatre allright!!!
Notice how very, very similar Deb and Challengers posts are, notice how you wil NEVER see them on here at the same time…
WHat amazes me is how people like “DebDupe” who is really Challenger can stand there and say they are not against the Theatre, when their track record shows different. They said they were against condos as part of RSC’s plan, yet they now say condo’s would be okay there—what? They say “As has been said time and time and time again, private dollars should drive historical preservation, not our TAX dollars.” yet they have no problem with the Village spending just under $200 MILLION TAX DOLLARS to build a PRIVATELY DFEVELOPED convention center. In addition, ALL tax dollars are going to be rebated to the facility for close to 30 years. That’s TAX MONEY taken out of the Village coffers! Why did the Village have to give a handout to private developers? Surely they could have offered low-interest loans, breaks on permit fees and variances and the like, but instead, they bankroll the Westin, helping to make them rich! This is all public information posted on many sites, including www.lombardtaxwatch.com which breaks it all down. WHen people try to suggest the Village apply the same logic they claimed to use for the Theatre for the convention center, they are personally attacked by those against the theatre project, and why is that? Because they know it pokes holes in their sketcjy reasoning!!!h
I believe what was said (or meant) was that no PROPERTY TAX dollars from current residents would be used. Which is more than I could say about the library suggestion…
The theatre WAS NOT being compared to the convention center, THE LOGIC (or lack thereof) WAS. FOr example, you complain about how long the TIF will be used on the theatre, less than 20 years, look at what is stated anout the convention center…“The village is backing the project by pumping all food and beverage and hotel and motel taxes generated by the center into retiring the bonds taken out on the project.
The debt means the village will not own the hotel and restaurants outright until possibly 30 years down the road. ” 30 YEARS of taxes going into that project. That means things that use those TAX dollars like the Taste of Lombard, the Lilac Parade, all will suffer! Mean while, while he says the theatre, which would involve a private condo/retail development as well as a public use theatre is not a good use (remember “The fantasy is over” speech), he then says about the convention center…““I really think more thought should go into this,†Tross said. “This money is not for public good. It is not a partnership. It is a handout.†What does he want then?
**Here’s what’s going to happen folks. The theatre is going to be torn down with claims of a "new library”, which will go to referendum and FAIL miserably like most tax increase referendums do. After that, suddenly a developer will come in with plans to build a high-rise condo or office development, claiming a high-rise is the only way to get enough density out of it to make money, will have the bare minimum of parking spaces, claiming people will take the train as well. They will also ask for various variances which will be granted in the spirit of “it’s good for the Village”, citing the variances given to the Elmhurst Hospital building across the street. The developer will also ask for TIF funds to help with the project, maybe even extending it, since the condos at Grace and St. Charles did so to. I doubt I’m wrong on this one, folks.
I do find it funny that the folks that worked so hard to destroy the project are now talking about condos at that location. How ironic! While they claim less density, etc. how do they know what is too much? They mislead by talking about no taxes coming from the theatre, (and again mislead regarding TIF by claiming the condos won’t pay taxes either) but then they want a library there, which will be tax-free forever. I have even heard mention from a vengeful Trustee about wanting a park there-tell me how much sense THAT makes.
DebDupe, let me explain TIF so it makes sense. If you have a building that pays $100 a year in taxes and a TIF district is formed, the Village still gets the $100, then if the taxes go up $20 a year, the $20 goes to pay back the TIF. So in the theatre example, the condos will still pay taxes, which is more than what the property currently is doing or a library would…Get it? Besides, the theatre would not (until the Village turned down free money) have been all TIF, there was a big chunk of State and Federal money in there too!
Melders, you won’t see a BIG box there, probably a little one, since during the first RFP CVS Pharmacies submitted a proposal to put a store there. The ad-hoc committee had said they want to see the theatre reused, but CVS ignored the request and just wanted to level the buildings and build a store, possibly testing the waters for what is now happening…
It’s hard to believe that the Village Board DOESN’T have alterior motives considering the latest news in the Village…
DebDupe says “…The theatre would have been operating as a not for profit and, for the most part, village owned in the end”. A $195 million dollare convention center is being planned, that the Village is issueing bonds for, that will be run by a Public Facilities Corp (for tax reasons) that will run it and get ALL tax dollars rebated to it. At the point the bonds will be paid off, the Village will then (supposedly) own it. One of the Trustees was once quoted that “The Village doesn’t belong in the entertainment business” well, what’s a convention center? Mr. Tross also voted against a additional sales tax that would be rebated to the Yorktown Mall, a private development, to pay for infrastructure improvements, “Trustee Richard Tross opposed the measure because he felt it tantamount to the village subsidizing private enterprise, with no benefit to residents. He was not convinced the area qualified as “blighted†given the fact that redevelopment plans are in the works and at least one new restaurant has already spent substantial money toward constructing an eatery in the proposed area.
“I really think more thought should go into this,†Tross said. “This money is not for public good. It is not a partnership. It is a handout.â€
All that hot air and yet he basically said there is no public good in a restored theatre and shops in the downtown. That does not seem to make sense to me…
Instead of quoting something out of context on this websute too, why don’t you post the ENTIRE quote? I believe what was said was something along the lines of “IF THE VILAGE IS GOING TO PAY FOR THE ENTIRE CONVENTION CENTER WITH TAX DOLLARS, MAYBE IT’S TIME SOMEBODY SAID WHY HAVE FUNDRAISERS WHEN…” that’s pretty close, if you have part of it, why not print all of it, otherwise IT HAS NO VALIDITY (that means it’s not true).
See, you people miss my point!!! I’m not talking about a referendum!!! I DIDN’T EVEN USE THAT WORD. I SAID PETITION DRIVE!!!!All I’m saying is that if an overwhelming majority signs that they are in favor of the theatre project (and they would), how can the Trustee that took an oath to represent them vote no?
If a Trustee just got voted into office, how could they vote on such an important issue right away, especialy one with no alternative? Seems like they don’t have all the facts, unless that is, they listen to their people the way Sebby listens to his. As usual, you underestimate the people of Lombard. Once there is a oversized towering office building or condo there, or some faceless generic cookie-cutter building just like every other town, people will realize what they lost, and will not be happy about it. As well as there will be a large group of people out there to remind them what they could have had! Melders knows, he’s unconected to the situation and he’s warning Lombard about what they are doing, and a lot of other politicans and restoration experts are doing the same thing, so just wait…
I STILL (and always will) believe that had the Friends done a petition drive door-to-door of taxpayers in the Districts where the Trustees voted against the theatre proposal, the outcome would have been different. Even with the fact that it would not be binding, it would show that support IS there for the project and some Trustees would have sum ‘splaining to do!!! I think even the Board was surprised that they didn’t. The petition drive they did do was open to anyone, and was difused with a single question…How many live in Lombard that signed? The Friends thinking was that people from all over will comee to the Theatre, but in actuality, it’s some of the ones in Lombard that would count.
Speaking of counting, I think that by voting NOT to save ANYTHING from the Theatre, Trustees are counting on voters to NOT remember the DuPage come election time. I think they will be very surprised when “Remember the DuPage” becomes a rally crime similar to “Remember the Alamo”. I hope that they aren’t depending on that big Trustee salary to support themselves!!!
Well Melders, here’s a perfect example of the lies. If some one were kicked out of the Friends, don’t you think a few thing would have happened; 1.That person’s name would no longer appear on their roster? 2.The Friends would issue some sort of press release stating that fact, as well as why? 3.Some one from the Friends would come on here to announce that said person was asked to leave the group?
I am entitled to my OPINION of what is going to happen, some people get upset because they know deep down it will probably really happen. They have created a monster that is now out of control and going after the Village.
By the way, the person in question here was once nominated “Man of the Year” in Lombard…So much for inflammatory.
A quick e-mail to the Friends of the DuPage will show that NO member has been asked to leave the organization. This is yet another attempt to divide the organization and to provide disinformation. Apparently when people give their opinions, it upsets them greatly, as show by their last post…
Again Melders, you are correct I fear! It’s funny how an “outsider” can look at a situation and see right away what is going on, but these theatre detractors are being used like mindless pawns! The property owned next to the theatre is a member of the “good ‘ol boys club” and with the theatre gone and the Vilage buying the property next to his, his asking price just shot up! It’s very difficult to fight greed, and that’s ovbiously what is going on here-they just want the theatre down. I wonder how they are going to split their spoils….
Melders, you are so correct! On an anti-theatre website, they are now mentioning putting condos on the site, despite their claims that the latest plan’s condos are not needed nor will they sell. They have also pretty much given up on putting the library there, so what’s next for the property? Despite several different groups, including the ILPA as well as JAM Productions, the largest concert/entertainment group in the area, trying to convince the Village Board that they are willing to contribute large sums of money towards the project, they still voted for demolition without telling the very people who elected them what plan they have for the site. Very suspicious to me and a lot of other people.
This was THE spot to be if you were a teen in the 80’s. Every Staurday, it was like John Hughes was filming a brat-pack movie there!!! There was also a record store there that was very popular then, I can’t remember the name anymore…
I remember flying up 53 with my girlfriend as the sun set, trying to get there before the movie started. The car was a 72 Plymouth with a huge hood. My would cover up in blankets and lay on the hood and watch the movies in the open air-it was GREAT!!! I really miss tghis one!!!
This is the drive-in my parents took us to when we were younger, back when I thought Lombard was a nice place to live, before the current administration which just decided to knock down the DuPage Theatre. It’s too bad that greed takes over and places like the Sky-Hi, 53 and DuPage Theatre go the way of the Edsel…
It’s nice to see a throw-back to the way things used to be! Don’t like the food at the concession stands? Bring your own! We we were kids, money was tight for my folks so my mom used to pop a big brown bag of popcorn and fill a thermos jug with Kool-Aid. I saw some of the greatest movies ever at drive-ins; Willie Wonka, MAd Max, etc. I look forward to taking my kids to the Cascade in a few years as well. Hoppefully they stay around for quite a while, just like another instituion nearby, Sonny Acres!
Corvette Guy, here’s your proof, which, as the saying goes “Shall set you(Challenger) free!! From the most recent Lombardian, the local Lombard paper…
OFFICERS RESPONDED to Westmore/Meyers Road and the Prairie Path at about 2:47 p.m. after receiving a call that two subjects were drinking on the path. Officers located two subjects, who reportedly said they had been drinking earlier, but neither had alcohol on them.
A VILLA PARK TEEN was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and a juvenile was charged with possession of tobacco by a minor at Old Grove park. Halley Kenyon, 19, was charged and released. The juvenile was charged and released to a parent.
CRIMINAL DAMAGE BY GRAFFITI was reported in the 900 block of South Main Street after spray-painted graffiti was observed on a fence.
TWO TEENS were charged with criminal damage to motor vehicle after an incident in the first block of West St. Charles Road. According to police reports, the two allegedly damaged the door and rear window of a 1997 Chevy Lumina with a baseball bat during an altercation. Jardell Woods, 17, of Chicago, and Javon Boone, 19, of Lombard, were charged and released.
FOUR LOMBARD TEENAGERS were charged with unlawful possession of cannabis at Main and Wilson. Marko Dukic, 18; Adam Valgiusti, 18; Jason Thomas, 18; and Rogelo Perez, 19, were charged and released.
A VILLA PARK TEEN was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and possession of alcohol by a minor when officers investigated a suspicious vehicle at Westmore Woods. Phillip Brankin, 19, was charged and released.
This explains why Challenger is so confused, some one stole his ball!!!!
A SILVER GAZING BALL was stolen from the back yard of a residence in the 300 block of East Taylor. A bird bath was broken in the incident.
I apologize for having to take up all this space folks, but someone had to show Challenger for the true person he really is. These were just the first few enteries in the police blotter. Lombard also has a HUGE proplem with groups of youths (dare I say GANGS) along the Great Western Trail
I didn’t see the names “dupersupporter” or “dupage dude” anywhere on the Friends website, www.dupagetheatre.net so how could we be “leadership”? See, you just proved my point! This is the second or third time you siad you weren’t posting on here anymore. Take your bat and ball and go home! “I thought I could work with the Friends to preserve some or all of the theatre under a different plan” When did you become the Village of Lombard? why should the Friends want to even be considered in a plan that MIGHT save “parts” of the Theatre. That’s pointless!
I’m STILL waiting to see a referendum from the Friends, or even any positive movement besides accusing VOL of things. I DO NOT want to talk off-board to any one, I want to see the responses on here for all the world to see!!!
I still want to know where the Friends referendum is? It looks like NOTHING is going on!!!
As some one who has read Robert DiFino’s posts on this and other sites, I would have to recomend that people not attempt to reason/debate with him. I suspect that this guy isn’t all there upsatairs. He has made comments almost threatening theatre supporters, wanting to meet the “out on a street corner” to “talk” out differences, then complains about how the Friends treat people. He has put up posts aranting about he can’t work with people who “lie and stretch the truth” thenhe changes the post to simply read “Strange”…Yeas he is! One minute he is ranting and raving, the next minute he is wanting to sit down with the Friends to “work out differences” and “see if a compromise can be reached”. Doesn’t sound too balanced to me…
Of course, the ONE thing left the Friends have’t done that might work, they REFUSE to do, and that is a petition dive of REGISTERED LOMBARD voters! If the Trustees are sworn to represent their citizens, and the citizens vote FOR the Theatre project, how could they vote no? Would a overwhelming majority in favor send a strong message to the Board, as well as the State and the detractors? Alas, like all good things, this too must come to an end, and that’s where, to me, it looks like this is going unless some BIG changes happen…AND SOON!!!
Let’s face it, the library referendum didn’t pass last time, and if you add in the theatre costs, the price tag goes up again. The detractors want people to think they want to save “parts” or the entire theatre—read how they change their tune, showing no TRUE interest in the theatre. WHat the forsee is knocking down the theatre “for the new and improved library” they will say. But here comes the referendum to pay for the library. It fails…AGAIN and the Village is left with an empty lot. Their next move will be to sell it to a convienent developer who just happens to have a development plan ready and waiting. True karma would be for a high-rise apartment building on the site-oops, sorry Charlotte residents, the Village just improved all their variances AND extended the TIF for them…NOW WHO WINS, LOMBARD???
Don’t forget to mention the fact that ALL TAXES will be REBATED to the convention center to pay back the bonds. If there is not enough TAX DOLLARS available at the end of the year, GENERAL FUNDS could be used to pay them back…
In addition, the Village is going to impose an extra 1% sales tax in the mall area to be GIVEN TO THE MALL-PRIVATE DEVELOPERS-TO FUND THEIR IMPROVEMENTS for things such as a water main on mall (private) property. That’s why Long/Peterson didn’t sell the mall, at the last minute, the Village offered him a sweetheart deal. News sources were reporting up until that day the mall was sold, then wham! Now Village residents are going to have to pay an extra tax to shop in their own town while the Mayor encourages Lombardians to “Shop Lombard”.
It’s amusing and ironic to me that the few theatre detractors try so hard NOT to bring these points up, to always try to deflect them, because they make their stance so silly. They think the Village is going to listen to them about what they want there IF the theatre is destroyed-HA!! Not a chance. They’ll probably be looking at a huge high-rise condo that’s for the “betterment of the Village”…
I just read that the National Park Service Save Our Treasure’s grant is still going to the Theatre, they ignored the Village’s request to deny the grant, since it was made out to the Foundation, NOT the Village. Now there is a lawsuit that, from what I hear, is SUPPORTED by the State and Federal goverments. Lombard’s really, really, looking bad right now; here’s it’s own citizens and the 2 highest forms of goverment in the land that sees the much-needed value this project would bring to an underdeveloped area for it’s residents, and the Village Board feels that it would rather see an empty lot. The Board is really mad because people outside their little sphere of influence have become involved, and they will have to do A LOT OF EXPLAINING. I can’t wait!!
Forget Houston, LOMBARD, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!!!
A few interesting points. The Morton Arboretum, just down the road from Lombard, recieved a MILLION DOLLARS from the State today. This is in addition to millions they have already recieved from similar sources. Was this the million that was destined for Lombard? Probably, since they both applied for the money at about the same time.
In a move of sheer hypocrisy, the Village of Lombard Board accepted several hundred thousand TAX DOLLARS for the Lombard Park District. Apparently Lombard know tells the State of Illinois what it’s going to do. We’ll see how long that lasts, before some people come down and start asking some hard questions…
Challenger/DebDupe (ever notice how thwy always seem to post one right after another, just minutes apart, like they are running to a different computer) to say virtually the same thing?
A “fully funded plan not dependant on the taxpayers getting taken to the cleaners.” Please elaborate on that. What does that mean? How would taxpayers be taken to the cleaners? They’re property taxes would not go up with the theatre project (unlike the library plan, which is dependant on property taxe increases). There will be no additional sales taxes charged to pay for the project (unlike the Yorktown Mall area and it’s use of tax dollars to pay for private development). There would be no property tax increases to pay for infrastructure (as will be required by the convention center/hotel). Not to mention the business plan that shows the theatre easily making money every year (unlike the convention center) and also the fact that there is a steady stream of events that could be held there (unlike the convention center. There is also very little competition in this are for performing arts venues of this sort (unlike the convention center).
An agenda? You bet! Against a Trustee? Not a chance, but against a system!!!
“As long as the theatre is standing, the property most likely can’t sell… Time is of the essence. Once the building is leveled, the property will become hot and sell quickly.”
This is a quote from Robert DiFino, someone who is claiming he’s not against the theatre and wants to work with restoration groups to see if a solution can be reached…Sure seems that way to me, how about you?
“My vision for saving it. Remove the marquee, ticket booth, etc. Develop the block (Library or other)only if the stuff removed is incorporated into it.
posted by Challenger on Aug 3, 2005 at 1:56pm”
Boy, that really sounds like someone who’s not against the theatre allright!!!
Notice how very, very similar Deb and Challengers posts are, notice how you wil NEVER see them on here at the same time…
WHat amazes me is how people like “DebDupe” who is really Challenger can stand there and say they are not against the Theatre, when their track record shows different. They said they were against condos as part of RSC’s plan, yet they now say condo’s would be okay there—what? They say “As has been said time and time and time again, private dollars should drive historical preservation, not our TAX dollars.” yet they have no problem with the Village spending just under $200 MILLION TAX DOLLARS to build a PRIVATELY DFEVELOPED convention center. In addition, ALL tax dollars are going to be rebated to the facility for close to 30 years. That’s TAX MONEY taken out of the Village coffers! Why did the Village have to give a handout to private developers? Surely they could have offered low-interest loans, breaks on permit fees and variances and the like, but instead, they bankroll the Westin, helping to make them rich! This is all public information posted on many sites, including www.lombardtaxwatch.com which breaks it all down. WHen people try to suggest the Village apply the same logic they claimed to use for the Theatre for the convention center, they are personally attacked by those against the theatre project, and why is that? Because they know it pokes holes in their sketcjy reasoning!!!h
I believe what was said (or meant) was that no PROPERTY TAX dollars from current residents would be used. Which is more than I could say about the library suggestion…
The theatre WAS NOT being compared to the convention center, THE LOGIC (or lack thereof) WAS. FOr example, you complain about how long the TIF will be used on the theatre, less than 20 years, look at what is stated anout the convention center…“The village is backing the project by pumping all food and beverage and hotel and motel taxes generated by the center into retiring the bonds taken out on the project.
The debt means the village will not own the hotel and restaurants outright until possibly 30 years down the road. ” 30 YEARS of taxes going into that project. That means things that use those TAX dollars like the Taste of Lombard, the Lilac Parade, all will suffer! Mean while, while he says the theatre, which would involve a private condo/retail development as well as a public use theatre is not a good use (remember “The fantasy is over” speech), he then says about the convention center…““I really think more thought should go into this,†Tross said. “This money is not for public good. It is not a partnership. It is a handout.†What does he want then?
**Here’s what’s going to happen folks. The theatre is going to be torn down with claims of a "new library”, which will go to referendum and FAIL miserably like most tax increase referendums do. After that, suddenly a developer will come in with plans to build a high-rise condo or office development, claiming a high-rise is the only way to get enough density out of it to make money, will have the bare minimum of parking spaces, claiming people will take the train as well. They will also ask for various variances which will be granted in the spirit of “it’s good for the Village”, citing the variances given to the Elmhurst Hospital building across the street. The developer will also ask for TIF funds to help with the project, maybe even extending it, since the condos at Grace and St. Charles did so to. I doubt I’m wrong on this one, folks.
I do find it funny that the folks that worked so hard to destroy the project are now talking about condos at that location. How ironic! While they claim less density, etc. how do they know what is too much? They mislead by talking about no taxes coming from the theatre, (and again mislead regarding TIF by claiming the condos won’t pay taxes either) but then they want a library there, which will be tax-free forever. I have even heard mention from a vengeful Trustee about wanting a park there-tell me how much sense THAT makes.
DebDupe, let me explain TIF so it makes sense. If you have a building that pays $100 a year in taxes and a TIF district is formed, the Village still gets the $100, then if the taxes go up $20 a year, the $20 goes to pay back the TIF. So in the theatre example, the condos will still pay taxes, which is more than what the property currently is doing or a library would…Get it? Besides, the theatre would not (until the Village turned down free money) have been all TIF, there was a big chunk of State and Federal money in there too!
Melders, you won’t see a BIG box there, probably a little one, since during the first RFP CVS Pharmacies submitted a proposal to put a store there. The ad-hoc committee had said they want to see the theatre reused, but CVS ignored the request and just wanted to level the buildings and build a store, possibly testing the waters for what is now happening…
It’s hard to believe that the Village Board DOESN’T have alterior motives considering the latest news in the Village…
DebDupe says “…The theatre would have been operating as a not for profit and, for the most part, village owned in the end”. A $195 million dollare convention center is being planned, that the Village is issueing bonds for, that will be run by a Public Facilities Corp (for tax reasons) that will run it and get ALL tax dollars rebated to it. At the point the bonds will be paid off, the Village will then (supposedly) own it. One of the Trustees was once quoted that “The Village doesn’t belong in the entertainment business” well, what’s a convention center? Mr. Tross also voted against a additional sales tax that would be rebated to the Yorktown Mall, a private development, to pay for infrastructure improvements, “Trustee Richard Tross opposed the measure because he felt it tantamount to the village subsidizing private enterprise, with no benefit to residents. He was not convinced the area qualified as “blighted†given the fact that redevelopment plans are in the works and at least one new restaurant has already spent substantial money toward constructing an eatery in the proposed area.
“I really think more thought should go into this,†Tross said. “This money is not for public good. It is not a partnership. It is a handout.â€
All that hot air and yet he basically said there is no public good in a restored theatre and shops in the downtown. That does not seem to make sense to me…
By the way, it’s AFFECTED, not EFFECTED. Read more grammar books on break at Mickey D’s instead of comic books!!!
Instead of quoting something out of context on this websute too, why don’t you post the ENTIRE quote? I believe what was said was something along the lines of “IF THE VILAGE IS GOING TO PAY FOR THE ENTIRE CONVENTION CENTER WITH TAX DOLLARS, MAYBE IT’S TIME SOMEBODY SAID WHY HAVE FUNDRAISERS WHEN…” that’s pretty close, if you have part of it, why not print all of it, otherwise IT HAS NO VALIDITY (that means it’s not true).
See, you people miss my point!!! I’m not talking about a referendum!!! I DIDN’T EVEN USE THAT WORD. I SAID PETITION DRIVE!!!!All I’m saying is that if an overwhelming majority signs that they are in favor of the theatre project (and they would), how can the Trustee that took an oath to represent them vote no?
If a Trustee just got voted into office, how could they vote on such an important issue right away, especialy one with no alternative? Seems like they don’t have all the facts, unless that is, they listen to their people the way Sebby listens to his. As usual, you underestimate the people of Lombard. Once there is a oversized towering office building or condo there, or some faceless generic cookie-cutter building just like every other town, people will realize what they lost, and will not be happy about it. As well as there will be a large group of people out there to remind them what they could have had! Melders knows, he’s unconected to the situation and he’s warning Lombard about what they are doing, and a lot of other politicans and restoration experts are doing the same thing, so just wait…
I STILL (and always will) believe that had the Friends done a petition drive door-to-door of taxpayers in the Districts where the Trustees voted against the theatre proposal, the outcome would have been different. Even with the fact that it would not be binding, it would show that support IS there for the project and some Trustees would have sum ‘splaining to do!!! I think even the Board was surprised that they didn’t. The petition drive they did do was open to anyone, and was difused with a single question…How many live in Lombard that signed? The Friends thinking was that people from all over will comee to the Theatre, but in actuality, it’s some of the ones in Lombard that would count.
Speaking of counting, I think that by voting NOT to save ANYTHING from the Theatre, Trustees are counting on voters to NOT remember the DuPage come election time. I think they will be very surprised when “Remember the DuPage” becomes a rally crime similar to “Remember the Alamo”. I hope that they aren’t depending on that big Trustee salary to support themselves!!!
Well Melders, here’s a perfect example of the lies. If some one were kicked out of the Friends, don’t you think a few thing would have happened; 1.That person’s name would no longer appear on their roster? 2.The Friends would issue some sort of press release stating that fact, as well as why? 3.Some one from the Friends would come on here to announce that said person was asked to leave the group?
I am entitled to my OPINION of what is going to happen, some people get upset because they know deep down it will probably really happen. They have created a monster that is now out of control and going after the Village.
By the way, the person in question here was once nominated “Man of the Year” in Lombard…So much for inflammatory.
A quick e-mail to the Friends of the DuPage will show that NO member has been asked to leave the organization. This is yet another attempt to divide the organization and to provide disinformation. Apparently when people give their opinions, it upsets them greatly, as show by their last post…
Again Melders, you are correct I fear! It’s funny how an “outsider” can look at a situation and see right away what is going on, but these theatre detractors are being used like mindless pawns! The property owned next to the theatre is a member of the “good ‘ol boys club” and with the theatre gone and the Vilage buying the property next to his, his asking price just shot up! It’s very difficult to fight greed, and that’s ovbiously what is going on here-they just want the theatre down. I wonder how they are going to split their spoils….
Melders, you are so correct! On an anti-theatre website, they are now mentioning putting condos on the site, despite their claims that the latest plan’s condos are not needed nor will they sell. They have also pretty much given up on putting the library there, so what’s next for the property? Despite several different groups, including the ILPA as well as JAM Productions, the largest concert/entertainment group in the area, trying to convince the Village Board that they are willing to contribute large sums of money towards the project, they still voted for demolition without telling the very people who elected them what plan they have for the site. Very suspicious to me and a lot of other people.
This was THE spot to be if you were a teen in the 80’s. Every Staurday, it was like John Hughes was filming a brat-pack movie there!!! There was also a record store there that was very popular then, I can’t remember the name anymore…
I remember flying up 53 with my girlfriend as the sun set, trying to get there before the movie started. The car was a 72 Plymouth with a huge hood. My would cover up in blankets and lay on the hood and watch the movies in the open air-it was GREAT!!! I really miss tghis one!!!
This is the drive-in my parents took us to when we were younger, back when I thought Lombard was a nice place to live, before the current administration which just decided to knock down the DuPage Theatre. It’s too bad that greed takes over and places like the Sky-Hi, 53 and DuPage Theatre go the way of the Edsel…
It’s nice to see a throw-back to the way things used to be! Don’t like the food at the concession stands? Bring your own! We we were kids, money was tight for my folks so my mom used to pop a big brown bag of popcorn and fill a thermos jug with Kool-Aid. I saw some of the greatest movies ever at drive-ins; Willie Wonka, MAd Max, etc. I look forward to taking my kids to the Cascade in a few years as well. Hoppefully they stay around for quite a while, just like another instituion nearby, Sonny Acres!
Corvette Guy, here’s your proof, which, as the saying goes “Shall set you(Challenger) free!! From the most recent Lombardian, the local Lombard paper…
OFFICERS RESPONDED to Westmore/Meyers Road and the Prairie Path at about 2:47 p.m. after receiving a call that two subjects were drinking on the path. Officers located two subjects, who reportedly said they had been drinking earlier, but neither had alcohol on them.
A VILLA PARK TEEN was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and a juvenile was charged with possession of tobacco by a minor at Old Grove park. Halley Kenyon, 19, was charged and released. The juvenile was charged and released to a parent.
CRIMINAL DAMAGE BY GRAFFITI was reported in the 900 block of South Main Street after spray-painted graffiti was observed on a fence.
TWO TEENS were charged with criminal damage to motor vehicle after an incident in the first block of West St. Charles Road. According to police reports, the two allegedly damaged the door and rear window of a 1997 Chevy Lumina with a baseball bat during an altercation. Jardell Woods, 17, of Chicago, and Javon Boone, 19, of Lombard, were charged and released.
FOUR LOMBARD TEENAGERS were charged with unlawful possession of cannabis at Main and Wilson. Marko Dukic, 18; Adam Valgiusti, 18; Jason Thomas, 18; and Rogelo Perez, 19, were charged and released.
A VILLA PARK TEEN was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and possession of alcohol by a minor when officers investigated a suspicious vehicle at Westmore Woods. Phillip Brankin, 19, was charged and released.
This explains why Challenger is so confused, some one stole his ball!!!!
A SILVER GAZING BALL was stolen from the back yard of a residence in the 300 block of East Taylor. A bird bath was broken in the incident.
I apologize for having to take up all this space folks, but someone had to show Challenger for the true person he really is. These were just the first few enteries in the police blotter. Lombard also has a HUGE proplem with groups of youths (dare I say GANGS) along the Great Western Trail
I didn’t see the names “dupersupporter” or “dupage dude” anywhere on the Friends website, www.dupagetheatre.net so how could we be “leadership”? See, you just proved my point! This is the second or third time you siad you weren’t posting on here anymore. Take your bat and ball and go home! “I thought I could work with the Friends to preserve some or all of the theatre under a different plan” When did you become the Village of Lombard? why should the Friends want to even be considered in a plan that MIGHT save “parts” of the Theatre. That’s pointless!
I’m STILL waiting to see a referendum from the Friends, or even any positive movement besides accusing VOL of things. I DO NOT want to talk off-board to any one, I want to see the responses on here for all the world to see!!!
I still want to know where the Friends referendum is? It looks like NOTHING is going on!!!
As some one who has read Robert DiFino’s posts on this and other sites, I would have to recomend that people not attempt to reason/debate with him. I suspect that this guy isn’t all there upsatairs. He has made comments almost threatening theatre supporters, wanting to meet the “out on a street corner” to “talk” out differences, then complains about how the Friends treat people. He has put up posts aranting about he can’t work with people who “lie and stretch the truth” thenhe changes the post to simply read “Strange”…Yeas he is! One minute he is ranting and raving, the next minute he is wanting to sit down with the Friends to “work out differences” and “see if a compromise can be reached”. Doesn’t sound too balanced to me…
Of course, the ONE thing left the Friends have’t done that might work, they REFUSE to do, and that is a petition dive of REGISTERED LOMBARD voters! If the Trustees are sworn to represent their citizens, and the citizens vote FOR the Theatre project, how could they vote no? Would a overwhelming majority in favor send a strong message to the Board, as well as the State and the detractors? Alas, like all good things, this too must come to an end, and that’s where, to me, it looks like this is going unless some BIG changes happen…AND SOON!!!
Let’s face it, the library referendum didn’t pass last time, and if you add in the theatre costs, the price tag goes up again. The detractors want people to think they want to save “parts” or the entire theatre—read how they change their tune, showing no TRUE interest in the theatre. WHat the forsee is knocking down the theatre “for the new and improved library” they will say. But here comes the referendum to pay for the library. It fails…AGAIN and the Village is left with an empty lot. Their next move will be to sell it to a convienent developer who just happens to have a development plan ready and waiting. True karma would be for a high-rise apartment building on the site-oops, sorry Charlotte residents, the Village just improved all their variances AND extended the TIF for them…NOW WHO WINS, LOMBARD???