One commonly-circulated theory which I believe has a great deal of creedance involves several “well-connected” people in town. These “people” all have money from one source or another, and all are against the DuPage Theatre project. These same people also financially supported the trustee who was the most focused on demolition (and not much else, according to those in his district, myself included). Apparently they are eyeing the property for some sort of development, probably a similar development to what RSC wanted, 1st floor retail and higher floors condos.
All the talk of a new library there is just a ploy to get the site cleared. A referendum for the library several years ago to raise property taxes to gather 24 million to build a new library was voted down by residents, proving they DO NOT want to spend that kind of money on something the internet has made obsolete. Those who keep talking about building a library on the DuPage site have NEVER had their own referendum on the ballot, despite numerous elections in which to do so. Why is that? Because they know it will go the same way as the library’s referendum to rebuild on the site of the current library, voted down.
Those who say the DuPage Theatre and Shoppes project will not work have NEVER come up with a viable alternative. They make pot shots from the dark, spouting mistruths (there is no demand for a theatre) and all out lies (they have claimed the project will raise property taxes). NEVER have they presented a viable alternative that would do the same things for the community both culturally and economically.
Do you know what the saddest part is? A few former members of the Friends were at a party I hosted last night, and they told me I was right, that all some people wanted was to get their names in the paper. That most of the members have stopped showing up because they are fed up with the way things have gone in the last few years. That they are upset because they NEVER got a chance to decide for themselves what direction they wanted the Friends to go in. While most of them were in it for the long haul, their own Board just wanted short term gains, to have a nice scrapbook chcok full of articles with their names in them.
Can you sxplain WHY those posts, and any others that don’t agree with YOUR views, are being deleted on there? Even post by REGISTERED USERS are being deleted. I’ve seen it with my own eyes! What are you so afraid of? Public support? Being proved WRONG?
Excuse me, I didn’t say that I post on there, I was just looking at it when all of a sudden, after several pro-arts posts were made, the entire thread was deleted right back to the anti-arts one that was originally there.
The anti-theatre/anti-culture crowd in now so worried about anyone in favor of the theatre that they have taken to censoring any/all pro-theatre posts on their website, the one that they call “A Lombard Website for Lombard People”. It should be called “A Communist Website for those we feel worthy of posting and agree with us in totality”
Melders, I have to set you (and a few others around here) straight on a few things. First off, the DuPage was not an “…old, abandoned, rundown theater getting demolished” As you put it. Did you ever take a look inside it in oerson? When Big Idea had control of the property, they had begun rehabbing the interior. Much of the old interior, including plumbing and electrical, had been removed. The plaster, leaded glass, etc was there. Whatever pieces of plasterwork, etc. that were missing on one side were still on the other. True, the roof did need to be patched, but by the time the Friends had taken control, that was done, as well as the tuckpointing work. Back then, the Friends conducted tours and regularly cleaned the inside and outside of the property. They had local students paint murals on the outside.
I believe that the anti-theatre Trustee, Sebby, realized (or someone else realized for him) that the tours were starting to garner public support for the project, once people saw that the interior was not as bad as they were lead to believe. This was the era when the Friends, myself majorly included, as well as those who have since past like Doug Christenson and Joan DeStephano and Mark Barry, all were 100% committed to nothing short of restoration of the theatre. Doug just about got himself arrested monthly at Village Board meetings while demanding the Village do something. Joan devoted a good portion of her life savings to support the cause. Mark, quite, determined Mark, worked toiless hours for the theatre, never wanting to let her down.
That was when the theatre was the focal point of the Friends, when they TRULY meant something. Now that they have supported and seen demolition of the very thing they were started to save. Most of those on their board who made the decision to support demolition (without polling the rest of the group to get their feedback) were not even members in those early days! Yet they voted for demolition (they should call it was it is, DEMOLITION, not “deconstruction” since they’re NOT rebuilding the theatre). Once they started calling themselves a “political action group” I knew they had bigger political aspirations. Their free weekly article in the local paper was just to get their names recognized by the public.
This same board had many, many chances to PROVE the support for the project. They would have had a question on the ballot a while back, but pulled it, claiming the developer, RSC, asked them to. Why? What difference would it make to him? He was going to build a theatre there, a winning referendum would only justify his cause even more! They did a half-assed petition drive, but allowed anyone from anywhere to sign it, They were WARNED that it could be easily diffused by the opposition, they didn’t listen.
Speaking of NOT listenimng, I went to one of their board meetings a few years back and almost BEGGED them to do a petition drive in the districts who’s trustees had voted against the project. I told them if they could PROVE that a majority of that trustees taxpaying, voting residents were in FAVOR of the project, they COULD NOT vote against it, since the will of the people was to go forward. One of the then newly-elected trustees who was against the project said he could not find support in the district; how could the previous trustee find support then? Did everyone in the area suddenly move out?
The saddest thing about this whole issue is a reminder of a warning I said from the very beginning. “Once it’s gone, it can NEVER be brought back.” I have seen several other restoration project in this area move forward, they all sais the same thing. If it’s gone, it can NEVER come back. Now it’s not coming back.
The performing arts are very important to our culture. Believe it or not, I was once pretty introverted. It took summoning up the courage to perform in a junior high school variety show to break me out of my shell. Now I have just become the top salesman in a company that had over $150 million in sales last year. Who knows where I would be if I did not step up in 7th grade. Probably working for a mindless company like UPS!
In closing, it was not about the money, that was coming in, remember the State and Federal money that the Village refused. That was not one time miney, every year that could be applied for, and that was just scratching the surface! It’s too bad that the Friends listened to one of their members and talked a big game, saying he could bring in the dough, but never did. He’s now their vice president. There are not massive, pitchfork and torch-weilding peasants storming city hall to demand the destruction of the Dupe. There are just a few people, hiding in the shadows, sniping at plans, trying to make themselves feel important. It’s sad that a handful of individuals can hold the development of a town of 44,000 hostage just because they never stepped into the spotlight on a stage and spoke into a microphone.
1- The Library Board held two referenda at the March 16, 2004, primary election. (By law, they can only hold a referendum during the time of a regularly scheduled election.) One question was to ask voter approval to raise taxes to sell $23,500,000 in bonds to pay for the building. This covers the construction cost, furniture and equipment, fees, surveys, and reimbursement for purchase of the property next door. Using 2003 figures and loan rates, this would have cost the owner of a $200,000 market value home an additional $100 per year for a 20 year loan, using December 2003 interest rates.
ES: 4,072 (44.05%)
NO: 5,173 (55.95%)
Sorry, that’s more 6%. That’s almost 12%!! That question asked for 23 MILLION to build a new building!
Where was YOUR referendum to build on the DuPage Theatre site? You and a handful of others talk about how great it wopuld ne, nut with NOTHING to back it up!
“People do not use the library as much” is your opinion NOT a fact. I believe the library’s last study showed an increase in users, which is why they needed a new library.
Please note that I am not a new library supporter, that is somebody elses fight, but I think people should know the truth.
posted by CrazyRay on Feb 5, 2007 at 7:52am"
Well imagine that! A STUDY, paid for by the LIBRARY, showed use is up. OF COURSE IT IS!! Phillip Morris can pay for a study that says smoking DOES NOT CAUSE cancer. Big oil can pay for studies that claim dependence on fossil fuels does not cause global warming too! The library paid for a study that said just what they wanted it to say, so they can justify trying to take more tax money. Residents OPPOSED it via referendum. While part of the referendum (presented by the library board) was for costs for a temporary site, a majority of the money was to enlarge the current facility. which residents who see the uselessness of a new library, voted down.
MY STATEMENT BEFORE WAS THIS…
Those opposed have tried to bring up building a library there, but they have NEVER had a referendum question on the ballot in the last six (at least) elections. They avoid the fact that resident property taxes will go up to fund the project. The last time the library board had a referendum to ask for more money, it was voted down, People do not use the library as much anymore, the internet and on-line book, video and music sellers have taken over as well.
posted by DuPageDude on Feb 4, 2007 at 9:47am
Which is true, the small handful who occasionally spew out “Let’s put the new library where the DuPage Theatre was” NEVER have tried to support their position via referendum, because they know it will go the same way the library board’s referendum went, right down the tubes!
Well folks, I was right. A few members of the Friends used their position for their own personal gain. Laura Fitzpatrik, wife of Kevin and one of the ONLY THREE (the Fitzpatriks and Dynaco) allowed to write articles in the local paper is running for Trustee. She was forced to when her husband put his foot in his mouth by saying something along the lines of “women are better in politics because they are better at ‘kitchen table’ issues.” That’s one district, Dynaco will probably run in a different one, we’ll see. Sometimes I hate being right.
Dynaco recentl said in the paper the DuPage Theater was celebrating a birthday this year…How is that possible? It simply ceased to exist when the Friends Board decided to pull the referendum question during the last election. The demolition or “deconstruction” as the Friends try to spin it, was the final straw. What little that remains of the building will be torn down soon when those who oppose the project, who are on the local zoning board and other positions in Village government, make it impossible for RSC to continue and then withdraw from the project.
Those opposed have tried to bring up building a library there, but they have NEVER had a referendum question on the ballot in the last six (at least) elections. They avoid the fact that resident property taxes will go up to fund the project. The last time the library board had a referendum to ask for more money, it was voted down, People do not use the library as much anymore, the internet and on-line book, video and music sellers have taken over as well.
Actually, the plans put forth would NOT “cost the city all that money”. The use of TIF DOES NOT cost the Village really anything, the funds come from property tac revenues from the retail and the condos. The State and Federal goverments have a myriad of grants such as Save Our Treasures, Illinois First, etc. that the project WAS eligible to recieve. The Village voted to revoke their request for such funds (1 million dollars) just before (like DAYS before) the money became available. Apparently, somebody that was opposed to the theatre project got word about it and saw that it was quashed.
The blame for the failure rests in part, a BIG part, on the Friends leadership, for several reasons…
1. VP, who claimed to have many contacts, failed to secure major funding.
2. Opposition to the project, however small (a handful of residents) was allowed to spread mistruths and lies unchecked.
3. The biggie, the Friends pulled a referendum off the ballot, at RSC’s request, that would have PROVEN Village resident support. What difference would a local referendum make to RSC? All it would have shown was that he was on the right track by restoring the theatre.
4. Allowing a half-assed petition drive that allowed ANYONE, even kids and non-residents to sign. Easily difused by the opposition.
5. A suggestion was made to do a petition drive in the districts who’s trustees were against the plan, it was quickly dismissed by the Friends president Dynako.
5. Not allowing rank-and-file members of the Friend’s to publish articles, stories, etc. in the local paper’s column dedicated to them.
6. Allowing the DEMOLITION (NOT “deconstruction” as they try to spin it) of the theatre WITHOUT a agreement with RSC in place. Why did they think a lawsuit to stop demolition was in order LAST YEAR, but not THIS YEAR?
7. COMPLETE FAILURE by the Friends to realize that some of the residents they were “working with” were completely against the theatre plan, merely trying to find out information/strategy, even after repeated warnings.
8. Claiming victory when the very thing you were charged with saving, the theatre, was being torn down, completely reversing your position from earlier in the year.
All in all, a classic example of how NOT to do things; excluding/alienating members, failure to realize the ovbious, working with those against the project and giving them valuable information only to see them use it against you, in hopes they will “change”, allowing egos and attitudes to override COMMON SENSE, the list goes on and on.
The sad part is the legacy of the historic DuPage Theatre will not. Even though the Board grants zoning variances day in and day out, they will REFUSE to here, citing “resident concerns” and the rest of the building will be demolished, to give way for yet another generic, fsceless building, probably condos with first floor retail, the same thing RSC wanted to do. The Friends will say they tried their best, but just couldn’t beat city hall. Except they were beaten by themselves for a long time.
Can anyone PROVE that the FIRST (of many, many more that COULD have came) grants were all the government money that the project were to have recieved? Every year MORE MONEy is dished out. Once that money were to come, the groundswell of cash that were to follow it would be awe-inspiring.
Why did the Board all of a sudden, just before the State was going to cut that million dollar check, quickly move to refuse the grant? NOTHING in this town moves swiftly, yet that did. Why was that? Because the Board KNEW the check was being cut, and had to move fast to block it before we got it! That would have been even m ore embarassing for them if they were to send it back.
I’m sorry, the money WAS there! Did you forget about the money from the State and Federal governments? That was only the beginning of money from them! We could have gotten a great deal more as time went on!
Those in the Village who opposed the project had enough leverage (i.e. they knew people) to scare off any potential interest in the project.
Add to the mix that the Friends' “leadership” are their own worst enemy. They have become self-absorbed in getting themselves publicity, most likely for political reasons. Their weekly column in the local paper is only done by the pres. and vice pres, NEVER any rank-and-file members. They have even gone so far as to now call themselves a “political action group”. Why would they go out of their way to label themselves if that wasn’t what they had planned?
They had many, many chances to prove the support for the project, in fact members BEGGED them to do a referendum, and they REFUSED. Their petition drive was half-assed at best, and was easily diffused since they let anyone sign it.
What knocked down the Dupe? Yes, a wrecking ball, but it was fueled by greed, ignorance and egos!
This is a link to a Russell Philips phot that show the types of lamps in question. If anyone knows of any that people have, PLEASE post it on here so we can get the Lombard Historical Society involved in getting them returned to the rightful owners!
There, now that “Ann” has ONCE AGAIN been exposed as a FRAUD, on to the real business, talking about the DuPage Theatre, or it’s demolition now). Seeing how the INEPT Friend’s Board has been unable to do their job and the rest of the building will be torn down soon (Will they STILL call that progress, like they did when the theatre was demolished?) I am curious to know what will happen to the artifacts they claimed to have “rescued”—where will they go? I have already heard that SEVERAL members of their Board ALREADY have things from the theatre in their possession, will they be told to return them? will the Historical Society take control of them?
You must have been lost…I’m waiting for you “Ann”. Maybe ask someone else for directions instead of relying on your brain-damaged daughter and son-in-law…
I’ve got a better idea “Ann”. Since you know where I live..Remember when you sent me those harassing e-mails about showing up at my door to “settle this once and for all”? Come on over and bring your reciepts and I’ll PERSONALLY repay you for the material. I know how hard up you are for funds, being on “Medicare” and all…
I’m sorry you fell for their lies as well. I had been fighting against the leadership of the Friends for quite a while, I had originally suggested (several years ago) a petition drive to show the Village Board support for the project. Years later, when it was almost too late, they tried to do a referendum, but then chickened out and had it pulled. The ONE true thing that would gauge support for the project, and they backed down. Why? They claim the developer asked them to pull it? What difference would it make to the developer? He had already promised to redo the theatre! Their vice president, who claimed to have all these contacts in the business world, could not come up with one red cent! There are many, many companies out there who literally donate MILLIONS of dollars a year to causes and he couldn’t get ANYTHING from them. The only thing he and the president of the Friend’s managed to do was to get their names in the papers on a weekly basis. In fact, even as the theatre was being destroyed, WITHOUT a redevelopment agreement to replace it, they were claiming success? HOW IS DESTRUCTION OF THE VERY THING YOU WERE ORIGINALLY CHARGED WITH SAVING A SUCCESS? Because there are some good pictures for history books?
Now we find out that campaign candidate forms have been pulled in the districts where the Friend’s president and vice president live. It appears that they never really wanted to save the theatre, they were just looking to get their names out there so the public recognized them come election time. They are banking on the fact that people will be remorsefull when they realize the theatre is now gone and will never be brought back and elect them since they “tried” to save it. What a clever little plan. I hope that I am wrong, but knowing these 2 conniving, backstabbing, two-faced snakes leads me to believe that I’m not!
Allow me to restate my beliefs. I am for a restored DuPage Theatre. I believe that egos and attitude have long since taken over the Friends of the DuPage Theatre, and at this point, there is very little hope. I believe that there is another “plan” for the property that will spring to life once the historic theatre is demolished. A plan that will not help the residents, except maybe a few choice ones.
I would like to see a cultural center that will lead to a revolution of thinking and acting in Lombard. Once the building is gone, it can NEVER be brought back. Those types of buildings are vanishing very rapidly from the American landscape and unless dedicated people bravely spet up and accept the challenge to save them, our world will be that of strictly concrete and glass, basically faceless and generic, compared to how it could be, with vibrant terra cotta, bright lights and smiling faces. One needs to look no further than Schaumburg, Crystal Lake or St. Charles to see how theatre can enrich a community, both artistically AND financially…
posted by DuPageDude on Sep 22, 2006 at 9:03pm
Gee, for a person that has been labeled everything from a stalker to insane, I sure got this one right! Way back in September, too!!!
BW, don’t waste your time with True Class. It is a fictious person…Well, actually, the name they gave for “her” is real, but it’s attached to a woman that’s nearly 80 years old. This poster is merely a anti-theatre wackjob trying to gloat over the destruction of our DuPage Theatre.
“She” has harassed and threatened me before…doesn’t sound like an 80 year old woman now does it?
In addition, if you look at the last picture, you will see very, very lagre, very, very tall trees that completely screen out the neighbor’s views of the theatre. the lots themselves are very deep (at least 100'), and the homes are towards the front of the lots, probably at least 50 feet from the fence, so any development would be around 70 feet from the homes, NOT the “8 feet” they claim in their sign…
One commonly-circulated theory which I believe has a great deal of creedance involves several “well-connected” people in town. These “people” all have money from one source or another, and all are against the DuPage Theatre project. These same people also financially supported the trustee who was the most focused on demolition (and not much else, according to those in his district, myself included). Apparently they are eyeing the property for some sort of development, probably a similar development to what RSC wanted, 1st floor retail and higher floors condos.
All the talk of a new library there is just a ploy to get the site cleared. A referendum for the library several years ago to raise property taxes to gather 24 million to build a new library was voted down by residents, proving they DO NOT want to spend that kind of money on something the internet has made obsolete. Those who keep talking about building a library on the DuPage site have NEVER had their own referendum on the ballot, despite numerous elections in which to do so. Why is that? Because they know it will go the same way as the library’s referendum to rebuild on the site of the current library, voted down.
Those who say the DuPage Theatre and Shoppes project will not work have NEVER come up with a viable alternative. They make pot shots from the dark, spouting mistruths (there is no demand for a theatre) and all out lies (they have claimed the project will raise property taxes). NEVER have they presented a viable alternative that would do the same things for the community both culturally and economically.
Do you know what the saddest part is? A few former members of the Friends were at a party I hosted last night, and they told me I was right, that all some people wanted was to get their names in the paper. That most of the members have stopped showing up because they are fed up with the way things have gone in the last few years. That they are upset because they NEVER got a chance to decide for themselves what direction they wanted the Friends to go in. While most of them were in it for the long haul, their own Board just wanted short term gains, to have a nice scrapbook chcok full of articles with their names in them.
Can you sxplain WHY those posts, and any others that don’t agree with YOUR views, are being deleted on there? Even post by REGISTERED USERS are being deleted. I’ve seen it with my own eyes! What are you so afraid of? Public support? Being proved WRONG?
Excuse me, I didn’t say that I post on there, I was just looking at it when all of a sudden, after several pro-arts posts were made, the entire thread was deleted right back to the anti-arts one that was originally there.
The anti-theatre/anti-culture crowd in now so worried about anyone in favor of the theatre that they have taken to censoring any/all pro-theatre posts on their website, the one that they call “A Lombard Website for Lombard People”. It should be called “A Communist Website for those we feel worthy of posting and agree with us in totality”
Melders, I have to set you (and a few others around here) straight on a few things. First off, the DuPage was not an “…old, abandoned, rundown theater getting demolished” As you put it. Did you ever take a look inside it in oerson? When Big Idea had control of the property, they had begun rehabbing the interior. Much of the old interior, including plumbing and electrical, had been removed. The plaster, leaded glass, etc was there. Whatever pieces of plasterwork, etc. that were missing on one side were still on the other. True, the roof did need to be patched, but by the time the Friends had taken control, that was done, as well as the tuckpointing work. Back then, the Friends conducted tours and regularly cleaned the inside and outside of the property. They had local students paint murals on the outside.
I believe that the anti-theatre Trustee, Sebby, realized (or someone else realized for him) that the tours were starting to garner public support for the project, once people saw that the interior was not as bad as they were lead to believe. This was the era when the Friends, myself majorly included, as well as those who have since past like Doug Christenson and Joan DeStephano and Mark Barry, all were 100% committed to nothing short of restoration of the theatre. Doug just about got himself arrested monthly at Village Board meetings while demanding the Village do something. Joan devoted a good portion of her life savings to support the cause. Mark, quite, determined Mark, worked toiless hours for the theatre, never wanting to let her down.
That was when the theatre was the focal point of the Friends, when they TRULY meant something. Now that they have supported and seen demolition of the very thing they were started to save. Most of those on their board who made the decision to support demolition (without polling the rest of the group to get their feedback) were not even members in those early days! Yet they voted for demolition (they should call it was it is, DEMOLITION, not “deconstruction” since they’re NOT rebuilding the theatre). Once they started calling themselves a “political action group” I knew they had bigger political aspirations. Their free weekly article in the local paper was just to get their names recognized by the public.
This same board had many, many chances to PROVE the support for the project. They would have had a question on the ballot a while back, but pulled it, claiming the developer, RSC, asked them to. Why? What difference would it make to him? He was going to build a theatre there, a winning referendum would only justify his cause even more! They did a half-assed petition drive, but allowed anyone from anywhere to sign it, They were WARNED that it could be easily diffused by the opposition, they didn’t listen.
Speaking of NOT listenimng, I went to one of their board meetings a few years back and almost BEGGED them to do a petition drive in the districts who’s trustees had voted against the project. I told them if they could PROVE that a majority of that trustees taxpaying, voting residents were in FAVOR of the project, they COULD NOT vote against it, since the will of the people was to go forward. One of the then newly-elected trustees who was against the project said he could not find support in the district; how could the previous trustee find support then? Did everyone in the area suddenly move out?
The saddest thing about this whole issue is a reminder of a warning I said from the very beginning. “Once it’s gone, it can NEVER be brought back.” I have seen several other restoration project in this area move forward, they all sais the same thing. If it’s gone, it can NEVER come back. Now it’s not coming back.
The performing arts are very important to our culture. Believe it or not, I was once pretty introverted. It took summoning up the courage to perform in a junior high school variety show to break me out of my shell. Now I have just become the top salesman in a company that had over $150 million in sales last year. Who knows where I would be if I did not step up in 7th grade. Probably working for a mindless company like UPS!
In closing, it was not about the money, that was coming in, remember the State and Federal money that the Village refused. That was not one time miney, every year that could be applied for, and that was just scratching the surface! It’s too bad that the Friends listened to one of their members and talked a big game, saying he could bring in the dough, but never did. He’s now their vice president. There are not massive, pitchfork and torch-weilding peasants storming city hall to demand the destruction of the Dupe. There are just a few people, hiding in the shadows, sniping at plans, trying to make themselves feel important. It’s sad that a handful of individuals can hold the development of a town of 44,000 hostage just because they never stepped into the spotlight on a stage and spoke into a microphone.
1- The Library Board held two referenda at the March 16, 2004, primary election. (By law, they can only hold a referendum during the time of a regularly scheduled election.) One question was to ask voter approval to raise taxes to sell $23,500,000 in bonds to pay for the building. This covers the construction cost, furniture and equipment, fees, surveys, and reimbursement for purchase of the property next door. Using 2003 figures and loan rates, this would have cost the owner of a $200,000 market value home an additional $100 per year for a 20 year loan, using December 2003 interest rates.
ES: 4,072 (44.05%)
NO: 5,173 (55.95%)
Sorry, that’s more 6%. That’s almost 12%!! That question asked for 23 MILLION to build a new building!
Where was YOUR referendum to build on the DuPage Theatre site? You and a handful of others talk about how great it wopuld ne, nut with NOTHING to back it up!
“People do not use the library as much” is your opinion NOT a fact. I believe the library’s last study showed an increase in users, which is why they needed a new library.
Please note that I am not a new library supporter, that is somebody elses fight, but I think people should know the truth.
posted by CrazyRay on Feb 5, 2007 at 7:52am"
Well imagine that! A STUDY, paid for by the LIBRARY, showed use is up. OF COURSE IT IS!! Phillip Morris can pay for a study that says smoking DOES NOT CAUSE cancer. Big oil can pay for studies that claim dependence on fossil fuels does not cause global warming too! The library paid for a study that said just what they wanted it to say, so they can justify trying to take more tax money. Residents OPPOSED it via referendum. While part of the referendum (presented by the library board) was for costs for a temporary site, a majority of the money was to enlarge the current facility. which residents who see the uselessness of a new library, voted down.
MY STATEMENT BEFORE WAS THIS…
Those opposed have tried to bring up building a library there, but they have NEVER had a referendum question on the ballot in the last six (at least) elections. They avoid the fact that resident property taxes will go up to fund the project. The last time the library board had a referendum to ask for more money, it was voted down, People do not use the library as much anymore, the internet and on-line book, video and music sellers have taken over as well.
posted by DuPageDude on Feb 4, 2007 at 9:47am
Which is true, the small handful who occasionally spew out “Let’s put the new library where the DuPage Theatre was” NEVER have tried to support their position via referendum, because they know it will go the same way the library board’s referendum went, right down the tubes!
Well folks, I was right. A few members of the Friends used their position for their own personal gain. Laura Fitzpatrik, wife of Kevin and one of the ONLY THREE (the Fitzpatriks and Dynaco) allowed to write articles in the local paper is running for Trustee. She was forced to when her husband put his foot in his mouth by saying something along the lines of “women are better in politics because they are better at ‘kitchen table’ issues.” That’s one district, Dynaco will probably run in a different one, we’ll see. Sometimes I hate being right.
Dynaco recentl said in the paper the DuPage Theater was celebrating a birthday this year…How is that possible? It simply ceased to exist when the Friends Board decided to pull the referendum question during the last election. The demolition or “deconstruction” as the Friends try to spin it, was the final straw. What little that remains of the building will be torn down soon when those who oppose the project, who are on the local zoning board and other positions in Village government, make it impossible for RSC to continue and then withdraw from the project.
Those opposed have tried to bring up building a library there, but they have NEVER had a referendum question on the ballot in the last six (at least) elections. They avoid the fact that resident property taxes will go up to fund the project. The last time the library board had a referendum to ask for more money, it was voted down, People do not use the library as much anymore, the internet and on-line book, video and music sellers have taken over as well.
Actually, the plans put forth would NOT “cost the city all that money”. The use of TIF DOES NOT cost the Village really anything, the funds come from property tac revenues from the retail and the condos. The State and Federal goverments have a myriad of grants such as Save Our Treasures, Illinois First, etc. that the project WAS eligible to recieve. The Village voted to revoke their request for such funds (1 million dollars) just before (like DAYS before) the money became available. Apparently, somebody that was opposed to the theatre project got word about it and saw that it was quashed.
The blame for the failure rests in part, a BIG part, on the Friends leadership, for several reasons…
1. VP, who claimed to have many contacts, failed to secure major funding.
2. Opposition to the project, however small (a handful of residents) was allowed to spread mistruths and lies unchecked.
3. The biggie, the Friends pulled a referendum off the ballot, at RSC’s request, that would have PROVEN Village resident support. What difference would a local referendum make to RSC? All it would have shown was that he was on the right track by restoring the theatre.
4. Allowing a half-assed petition drive that allowed ANYONE, even kids and non-residents to sign. Easily difused by the opposition.
5. A suggestion was made to do a petition drive in the districts who’s trustees were against the plan, it was quickly dismissed by the Friends president Dynako.
5. Not allowing rank-and-file members of the Friend’s to publish articles, stories, etc. in the local paper’s column dedicated to them.
6. Allowing the DEMOLITION (NOT “deconstruction” as they try to spin it) of the theatre WITHOUT a agreement with RSC in place. Why did they think a lawsuit to stop demolition was in order LAST YEAR, but not THIS YEAR?
7. COMPLETE FAILURE by the Friends to realize that some of the residents they were “working with” were completely against the theatre plan, merely trying to find out information/strategy, even after repeated warnings.
8. Claiming victory when the very thing you were charged with saving, the theatre, was being torn down, completely reversing your position from earlier in the year.
All in all, a classic example of how NOT to do things; excluding/alienating members, failure to realize the ovbious, working with those against the project and giving them valuable information only to see them use it against you, in hopes they will “change”, allowing egos and attitudes to override COMMON SENSE, the list goes on and on.
The sad part is the legacy of the historic DuPage Theatre will not. Even though the Board grants zoning variances day in and day out, they will REFUSE to here, citing “resident concerns” and the rest of the building will be demolished, to give way for yet another generic, fsceless building, probably condos with first floor retail, the same thing RSC wanted to do. The Friends will say they tried their best, but just couldn’t beat city hall. Except they were beaten by themselves for a long time.
Can anyone PROVE that the FIRST (of many, many more that COULD have came) grants were all the government money that the project were to have recieved? Every year MORE MONEy is dished out. Once that money were to come, the groundswell of cash that were to follow it would be awe-inspiring.
Why did the Board all of a sudden, just before the State was going to cut that million dollar check, quickly move to refuse the grant? NOTHING in this town moves swiftly, yet that did. Why was that? Because the Board KNEW the check was being cut, and had to move fast to block it before we got it! That would have been even m ore embarassing for them if they were to send it back.
I’m sorry, the money WAS there! Did you forget about the money from the State and Federal governments? That was only the beginning of money from them! We could have gotten a great deal more as time went on!
Those in the Village who opposed the project had enough leverage (i.e. they knew people) to scare off any potential interest in the project.
Add to the mix that the Friends' “leadership” are their own worst enemy. They have become self-absorbed in getting themselves publicity, most likely for political reasons. Their weekly column in the local paper is only done by the pres. and vice pres, NEVER any rank-and-file members. They have even gone so far as to now call themselves a “political action group”. Why would they go out of their way to label themselves if that wasn’t what they had planned?
They had many, many chances to prove the support for the project, in fact members BEGGED them to do a referendum, and they REFUSED. Their petition drive was half-assed at best, and was easily diffused since they let anyone sign it.
What knocked down the Dupe? Yes, a wrecking ball, but it was fueled by greed, ignorance and egos!
View link
This is a link to a Russell Philips phot that show the types of lamps in question. If anyone knows of any that people have, PLEASE post it on here so we can get the Lombard Historical Society involved in getting them returned to the rightful owners!
There, now that “Ann” has ONCE AGAIN been exposed as a FRAUD, on to the real business, talking about the DuPage Theatre, or it’s demolition now). Seeing how the INEPT Friend’s Board has been unable to do their job and the rest of the building will be torn down soon (Will they STILL call that progress, like they did when the theatre was demolished?) I am curious to know what will happen to the artifacts they claimed to have “rescued”—where will they go? I have already heard that SEVERAL members of their Board ALREADY have things from the theatre in their possession, will they be told to return them? will the Historical Society take control of them?
You must have been lost…I’m waiting for you “Ann”. Maybe ask someone else for directions instead of relying on your brain-damaged daughter and son-in-law…
It sure is! We just got home from mass, can’t wait to see you today, “Ann”…
“Ann”…I’m home now…And waiting here with your cash…
I’ve got a better idea “Ann”. Since you know where I live..Remember when you sent me those harassing e-mails about showing up at my door to “settle this once and for all”? Come on over and bring your reciepts and I’ll PERSONALLY repay you for the material. I know how hard up you are for funds, being on “Medicare” and all…
Well then please stop by the next Friend’s meeting and introduce yourself. We are always more than happy to meet volunteers!
Surely you can give out a month then, that’s not enough info for anyone to do anything with…
Ann,
You are such a nice person, I’d love to put your birthday on my calendar so I remember to send you B-day Wishes…When is it?
I’m sorry you fell for their lies as well. I had been fighting against the leadership of the Friends for quite a while, I had originally suggested (several years ago) a petition drive to show the Village Board support for the project. Years later, when it was almost too late, they tried to do a referendum, but then chickened out and had it pulled. The ONE true thing that would gauge support for the project, and they backed down. Why? They claim the developer asked them to pull it? What difference would it make to the developer? He had already promised to redo the theatre! Their vice president, who claimed to have all these contacts in the business world, could not come up with one red cent! There are many, many companies out there who literally donate MILLIONS of dollars a year to causes and he couldn’t get ANYTHING from them. The only thing he and the president of the Friend’s managed to do was to get their names in the papers on a weekly basis. In fact, even as the theatre was being destroyed, WITHOUT a redevelopment agreement to replace it, they were claiming success? HOW IS DESTRUCTION OF THE VERY THING YOU WERE ORIGINALLY CHARGED WITH SAVING A SUCCESS? Because there are some good pictures for history books?
Now we find out that campaign candidate forms have been pulled in the districts where the Friend’s president and vice president live. It appears that they never really wanted to save the theatre, they were just looking to get their names out there so the public recognized them come election time. They are banking on the fact that people will be remorsefull when they realize the theatre is now gone and will never be brought back and elect them since they “tried” to save it. What a clever little plan. I hope that I am wrong, but knowing these 2 conniving, backstabbing, two-faced snakes leads me to believe that I’m not!
Allow me to restate my beliefs. I am for a restored DuPage Theatre. I believe that egos and attitude have long since taken over the Friends of the DuPage Theatre, and at this point, there is very little hope. I believe that there is another “plan” for the property that will spring to life once the historic theatre is demolished. A plan that will not help the residents, except maybe a few choice ones.
I would like to see a cultural center that will lead to a revolution of thinking and acting in Lombard. Once the building is gone, it can NEVER be brought back. Those types of buildings are vanishing very rapidly from the American landscape and unless dedicated people bravely spet up and accept the challenge to save them, our world will be that of strictly concrete and glass, basically faceless and generic, compared to how it could be, with vibrant terra cotta, bright lights and smiling faces. One needs to look no further than Schaumburg, Crystal Lake or St. Charles to see how theatre can enrich a community, both artistically AND financially…
posted by DuPageDude on Sep 22, 2006 at 9:03pm
Gee, for a person that has been labeled everything from a stalker to insane, I sure got this one right! Way back in September, too!!!
BW, don’t waste your time with True Class. It is a fictious person…Well, actually, the name they gave for “her” is real, but it’s attached to a woman that’s nearly 80 years old. This poster is merely a anti-theatre wackjob trying to gloat over the destruction of our DuPage Theatre.
“She” has harassed and threatened me before…doesn’t sound like an 80 year old woman now does it?
In addition, if you look at the last picture, you will see very, very lagre, very, very tall trees that completely screen out the neighbor’s views of the theatre. the lots themselves are very deep (at least 100'), and the homes are towards the front of the lots, probably at least 50 feet from the fence, so any development would be around 70 feet from the homes, NOT the “8 feet” they claim in their sign…
Not to mention the fact that, according to stories, some of the damage to the exterior of the building was “helped” along by anti-theatre individuals…