Hi-Lite Drive In

[justvote]

Although it is sad to see it go, I think it will be a wonderful financial boost for the East Aurora School District, which could really use it. In the end, it's probably the right decision. I always went to the Cascade Drive-In as a kid - it's really not that far. Straight up 59 to North ave.

[title1parent]

250 home development.....more kids going to school. Hope that decision doesnt come back to bite them in the ...............

[momto4]

jenrik2714 said:

Everyone should check out openline.blogspot.com/.

RALLY TO SAVE THE DRIVE-IN THEATER
Tue, June 13th at 5pm, Council Meeting at 6pm
Aurora's City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place

I wish all of Aurora could be made aware of this site, there are new articles on there every day and what is there is very different from what's showing up in the newspapers.

[wvhsparent]

It’s lights out for Aurora’s Hi-Lite drive-in
By Amy Boerema
Daily Herald Staff Writer
Posted Wednesday, June 14, 2006

The Hi-Lite 30 Drive-in has gone dark for good.

Aurora city officials Tuesday rejected an offer to take over the state’s oldest drive-in theater, at Hill Avenue and Montgomery Road.

Their 10-2 vote paves the way for Bigelow Homes to donate an 8-acre piece of land east of the drive-in, which the developer says is valued at $1.3 million, to East Aurora School District 131.

Most residents at the meeting were drive-in supporters, with a few booing and yelling at officials after the vote.

“Aurora lost something unique to town,” Henry Treftz said. “We don’t have a whole lot other towns next to us don’t have. It’s depressing.”

But District 131 mom Christine Walker was elated.

“I’m so glad they voted for the future of education for our children,” she said.

The deteriorating Hi-Lite hasn’t opened this year, as Bigelow bought the site and surrounding property to build a 240-home development. The theater site previously was in unincorporated Kane County, with Nova Cinetech leasing and operating the drive-in.

The developer originally offered to donate the 9-acre theater site to the city, but officials were unsure if it was worth the financial risk, given the estimated renovation costs.

New development built in its place could bring in more tax dollars for the struggling District 131, they said.

But hundreds of residents showed their support for saving the drive-in through rallies, petitions and public comment. There also was a smaller group of school supporters who rallied to raze the drive-in.

Last week, Bigelow came forward with its latest deal: demolish the drive-in, and donate a similar-size piece of land to the district. School leaders say it’s too small to build a school on and they’ll hold on to it to sell someday.

Many felt the deal was too good to pass up, though some leaders said the last-minute plan had too many unknowns.

“We have no idea when or if this property can be sold,” said Alderman Stephanie Kifowit, who represents the Third Ward, which includes the Hi-Lite and District 131.

Alderman Rick Lawrence said the plan wouldn’t be the district savior, calling it “the most convoluted thing you can see.”

“Once again, we’ve done something without a plan,” he said. “It always seems it’s the next idea that walks in the door.”

The other aldermen disagreed. Even though it’s only a drop in the bucket, every drop counts, they said.

“This is a benefit long term that’s of higher priority than retaining the theater and not knowing what’ll happen (with it),” Alderman Robert O’Connor said.

Alderman Chris Beykirch said the city shouldn’t be in the business of running a theater, but said he hears residents’ concerns.

“The community is clearly saying they like affordable family entertainment,” he said.

Resident Dennis Burgin didn’t feel he was being heard.

“They decided to do what they wanted, despite (most) people speaking in favor of the drive-in,” he said. “It confirms my thought that there’s very few independent thinkers on city council.”

In a lengthy public comment session prior to the vote, residents offered their own solutions to the issue, including a short-term summer lease, or donating their own money and time to renovate the theater.

“It’s an American heritage,” said Tim Mahoney of Joliet, who offered to give $200 for repairs.

A teenage girl donated her allowance and birthday money and collected $50 from friends in a just a few days.

Other residents urged officials to not be sold on nostalgia and think of the future.

Both sides held a rally outside city hall prior to the meeting, with balloons and T-shirts. Sign slogans included “Vote today, don’t delay,” “Good schools raise property values, drive-ins don’t,” “Kifowit’s selfishness is ruining our ward,” and “No to the mayor, yes to the drive-in.”




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[title1parent]

Hope the property taxes on that new development outweigh the number of students that will burden that school district. That area doesn't have High End homes.

I guess now we will have to watch and see if the Roller Skating rink and Bowling alley are next .

[mommygator]

Well, I certainly will not be re-electing several people next time around. My husband is so ticked off he is threatening to not spend a single cent on anything within Aurora city limits. He says he will go to Oswego or Naperville. I am severly disappointed in the councils decision. That school district will make very little money on that property and it certainly won't be enough to help them with their current financial shortfalls. Good Luck East Aurora - You need it!

[wvhsparent]

While it would have been nice to keep the drive-in. It really was not in very good shape. The indoor theater has not been open at least 15 yrs. All good things come to an end.