Arlington Heights Residents Share Concerns on Arlington Theaters

The Arlington Theaters closing abruptly was a surprised to everyone in the community but some residents are worried of that the closing may have an negative impact on businesses and young kids. 

Isabel Kennedy, who spoke at the Arlington Heights Village Board meeting Monday night, has concerns about the theater closing and surrounding businesses losing foot traffic. 

"Businesses will be affected badly," she said, "It makes us very sad and it could get worst."

Kennedy, who lives in downtown Arlington Heights hopes the village "try to fix it soon," she said during the citizens to be heard village board agenda item. 

After negotiations were unable to met, the theater closed on July 9. 

Other residents have raised concerns about purchased tickets and gift cards from the movie theater, but haven’t received any direction on getting a refund.

Anthony Scaletta, director of the theaters operation and an Arlington Village Board Trustee, was not present at the Monday night meeting.

Bill Dixon, village manager, said the village is sad to learn the Arlington Theaters is closing and its affect on the community and employees. "We don't want an empty theater," Dixon said. The village manager, however, said the village doesn't play a role in refunds of gift cards, as the village is not an owner of the theaters.  

But it's not all doom and gloom. Arlington Heights Village Trustee Mike Sidor said something better might get in there. "You never know what’s on the other side," he said. 

Village officials want to see a theater in the location and there is interest from local and non-local entities, but specifics of the interested parties could not be discussed, Charles Witherington-Perkins, director of planning and community development said.  

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