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Portage fate to be determined
posted by
Michael Zoldessy
on
June 14, 2012 at 8:00 am
CHICAGO, IL — The future of the Portage Theater is to be determined this Friday June 15th at a final zoning board meeting at 9AM. It will decide whether or not to allow the Chicago Tabernacle Church to purchase the theater for their new worship space. The church has not entertained suggestions for alternate locations in the area, including the former Belpark Theater.
The Portage Park Neighborhood Association is busing 50 residents to the Loop meeting to protest the church’s purchase. Ald. John Arena and many local business owners contend that the church taking over the theater will make drawing new businesses to the Six Corners neighborhood very difficult, especially bars and restaurants, which could not serve liquor near a church. Film critic Roger Ebert has also weighed in on the side of the Portage Theater, saying, “Chicago has countless churches, but not enough theaters like the very special Portage. Help save it.”
Read more in the Huffington Post.
