Haddon Twp considering a new proposal for the theatre

Things have been quiet with the theatre lately. That’s about the change. At the recent commissioner’s meeting Mayor Randy Teague announced Tuesday night that the commission has received an offer to buy the Westmont Theatre. The full story, including video, is available here – The Retrospect

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New Study on Westmont Theatre is now available

“A new study of the Westmont Theater estimates over $3.1 million would be the minimum to restore the 85-year-old entertainment venue to an operable state.” Read the full story at The Retrospect.

“Mayor Randy Teague said he and  Commissioners Paul Dougherty and John Foley have reviewed the Gibson study and plan to begin discussions of the theatre’s future at Tuesday’s Caucus meeting of the governing body. While little is certain about the theatre’s future use, Teague said the public will be invited to comment.

The Tuesday Caucus is tomorrow night (July 17).  Anyone interested in the Westmont Theatre, its future or want to learn more about the study is encouraged to attend the meeting.
 

Halloween Parade this Saturday

This Saturday the Friends of the Westmont Theatre will be selling popcorn and waters at the Haddon Township Halloween Parade. The parade starts at 7:30pm on Haddon Ave. If you’re interested in helping out, or want more info on the group, please feel free to contact us through the ‘About Us’ page or stop by the booth on Saturday.

 

FOTWT Meeting Notice!

The Friends of the Westmont Theatre, INC (FOTWT)  will meet on Thursday October 6th to discuss their fall and early 2012 fundraising strategy, the Halloween parade and other items. The meeting will be held at 6:30pm in the Rohrer Memorial library in Haddon Township.

All NCW members, and those wishing to get involved, are encouraged to attend.

It’s Official…FOTWT has non-profit group status

For the past few months the NCW has been working on their non-profit group status. We’re delighted to announce that Friends of the Westmont Theatre, Inc (FOTWT) is now a non-profit group. For those who aren’t aware, the FOTWT was formed to be a fundraising arm for the restoration and preservation of the Westmont Theatre. This fall they’ll start fundraising projects in/around the Haddon Township area.

Any interested in participating in a fundraiser, or making a donation,  is encouraged to send an email through our “About Us” tab.

We’re on our way!

We’re still here…

Hi all…sorry if it looks like we went into the dark. The holiday season and early 2011 was a very busy time. And to be honest, not much has happened with the Westmont during that time. The NCW is alive and well; they’re still working on the non-profit status (it’s a long process).  We’ll keep you posted on the next NCW meeting, as well as any information from the town and county on the next steps for the theatre.

Haddon Township working on theatre

This morning two Haddon Township work trucks were parked out in front of the theatre. A handful of Haddon Twp. employees (perhaps from public works) went inside the theatre to do some work. What kind of work? We do not know just yet. When we have more information we’ll post it right away!

‘Twp wins again in Westmont Theatre case’

In this past week’s edition of The Retrospect is another article on the recent Haddon Twp ruling on the Westmont Theatre. This article goes into a little detail on the groups, including the NCW, that are interested in the theatre.

On Tuesday, Haddon Township’s governing body received another ruling in its favor for severing a redevelopment contract involving the Westmont Theatre.
Haddon Township Mayor Randy Teague welcomed the news and said the commissioners will continue to pursue development of the theater… read more

Haddon Township Wins Ruling!

On the cover of the South Jersey section in this mornings Courier Post is the Westmont Theatre.

“A U.S. Court of Appeals  ruling has cleared the way for the redevelopment of one of Haddon Avenue’s most recognizable landmarks.The decision, released on Tuesday, upheld a previous court ruling that said the township had the right to sever an agreement with the Westmont Development Group LLC for the redevelopment of the Westmont Theater.The group, headed by Joanna Pang, who also operates the Trocadero in Philadelphia, hoped to turn the 82-year-old vaudeville house into a live performing arts venue.” Click here to read more

Haddon Township removed the fence around the theatre

Haddon Twp employees removed the fence that encompassed the theatre.  Early review of the now walkable area underneath the marquee shows that they also removed one of the glass display cases (far right window in picture below) and boarded it up with plywood for the time being. As to other work (marquee, 2nd floor windows), we weren’t able to tell what work may have been done.  The NCW has reached out to the township and has asked them what work, besides removing the fence, do they plan to do at this time.  We’ll keep you posted on the progress.

The removal of the fence, an eye-sore since ’07, is a reason to celebrate!