Last Chance For 'Dome' Theater: Appeal Hearing Tonight

Click here to follow live updates of the "dome" appeal hearing on Pleasant Hill Patch.

The doors are locked, the seats have been ripped out and the concession stand is gone — but the CinéArts "dome" theater is still standing.

Two public hearings at Pleasant Hill City Hall Monday will decide how long this remains true. The first hearing, scheduled for 4:15 p.m., is an appeal of the demolition permit issued by the Planning Commission.

At 7:30 p.m., the Pleasant Hill City Council will consider an appeal of the redevelopment plan that allows SyWest to demolish the 46-year-old movie theater and build a Dick's Sporting Goods store there instead.

"We hope as many people as possible attend either one or both of these meetings to show the Council just how much community support there is behind the endeavor to save the Dome," said the "Save the Pleasant Hill Dome" group in an email alert to supporters. "We ask that those of you who feel comfortable get up and speak to The Council about the Dome at the appropriate comment time. Our community won't let our Dome be destroyed!"

Supporters plan to wear purple or a red-based color for Monday evening's meetings.

The "dome" appeal was filed by Martha Ross on behalf of the "Save the Pleasant Hill Dome" group and claims that the Planning Commission's approval of the SyWest Development plan is inconsistent with General Plan policies and goals, and does not comply with municipal code provisions pertaining to historical resources.

The recommended action for the city council, as outlined by Senior Planner Troy Fijimoto, is to deny the appeal, uphold the actions decided by the Pleasant Hill Planning Commission and Architectural Review Commission and resolve an inconsistency between the two agencies regarding the height of signage for Dick's Sporting Goods. The Architectural Review Commission approved up to six foot signs, whereas the Planning Commission only OK'd up to four feet.

In response to the concerns raised in the appeal, the city staff report concludes that the SyWest Development project would "expand and upgrade an underutilized portion of the shopping center" and result in "increased economic activity" allowing for "additional tax revenue to help sustain and support various public services" in Pleasant Hill. 

Do you think the "dome" stands a chance at Monday's appeal hearing? Share your thoughts in the comments below.