Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 5, 1993 TAG: 9305050138
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
"We know it's going to take a lot of money. We know it's going to take cooperation between the county and the town," said John Sadler, speaking for the group.
The theater building was donated to the county after it closed in 1991, and has remained empty since. The county's most inexpensive option with the building is to tear it down, which would leave room for 20 parking spaces off Main Street.
The same group has asked the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors to delay any demolition at least until the end of September, allowing time for a feasibility study on how the building could be used to enhance downtown Pulaski.
"We're asking you to cooperate with the county in any way you can," Sadler said. "It'll be good for the town and county both to have the building here."
Its only structural problem is a leaking roof. Sadler said the leaks could be fixed at a low cost, but the entire roof could be repaired for $15,000.
The study will be necessary to determine whether the building can be restored properly. "We don't know whether we can or not. There's a lot of money involved," Sadler said.
"I think the theater is an important part of downtown, and I'd hate to lose it," Mayor Gary Hancock said.
"I sure don't want to see 20 parking places there in place of that theater," added Councilwoman Alma Holston.
In other business, council passed a resolution honoring Harry E. Kanode, who is retiring as equipment maintainance technician after 19 years with the town.
by CNB