Not so fast on Grand Theater plan

The Wheaton Park District has requested their residents to complete the "2008 Wheaton Park District Attitude and Interest Survey. A project of the University of Illinois."

The survey requests we agree or disagree etc. to the following: 1. In addition to revenue generated from program fees and taxes, I believe the WPD should operate revenue generating facilities to help pay for maintaining and improving existing parks, buildings and services. 2. The WPD should acquire, restore and operate the Wheaton Grand Historic Theater as a music/variety/comedy/community venue.

How can the WPD put this on a survey without first loudly publicizing their intent to use $18 million for acquisition and renovation of the Wheaton Grand Theater and then go into the business of operating a vaudeville-type theater? They have not even outlined a business plan for the citizens. The Wheaton Grand for years has not been able to partner with private investors who would champion investment if a fair profit were to be made. So why does the WPD suddenly want to be in the entertainment business? The City of Wheaton even declined to give the millions requested. The Wheaton Grand Theater plan, first presented at a small (due to minimal publicity) public hearing Aug. 25 where the sellers of this venture loaded the speakers venue with people for the plan. The plan was touted as being a savior for downtown Wheaton, and a cash cow for WPD.

Their feasibility study stated the Wheaton Grand will have 1,150 people daily, 5 days a week and 52 weeks a year in attendance. That will bring 300,000 people to downtown Wheaton. (That also means approximately 117,000 vehicles to park)

Why is the WPD requesting that citizens complete the above questions without first presenting all the facts? Do citizens want a high risk venture and a tax increase? Does the WPD hope citizens will approve by unwittingly checking "agree" boxes?

Tom Loversky

Wheaton