Wheaton Theater needs a yes vote

Wheaton is a great city. However, I do have some serious concerns about its future. Look around at the vacant stores, the boarded-up Jewel property, the former Hubble Middle School site and the deteriorating Wheaton Theater.

Wheaton needs help. Voting “yes” for the advisory referendum will begin the momentum to move Wheaton forward. I have spent countless hours with many civic leaders discussing alternatives for improving downtown Wheaton. There is no easy solution. A yes vote will provide the Wheaton City Council the direction to explore all reasonable options for the redevelopment of downtown. It will not approve the use of general revenue funds to accomplish the redevelopment. Most likely, the monies would come from the existing TIF districts, whose purpose is to fund redevelopment of the district in conjunction with private investment.

The combination of TIF money and private investment has already developed the multi-level parking lot and condos by the post office, an additional condo development on West and Front streets and the First Trust property and parking lot. Since neither the Hubble or the Jewel site are part of the TIF, the development of the Wheaton Theater is the most viable use of TIF monies.

Redevelopment of the theater could include a performing arts facility. It is a unique historic building that could be improved to offer numerous entertainment and educational events. The likelihood of the city council pursuing any public/private partnership for redevelopment will definitely decrease unless the community votes yes on the referendum.

Creating a downtown that will attract people to visit, dine, shop, or see a theater performance will bring needed sales tax dollars. More importantly, a successful downtown area may stimulate more interest in the properties waiting to be developed. Vote “yes” and start the momentum for Wheaton to move forward.

Jim Mathieson

Chairman, Friends of the Theater Committee