Appeal Is Last Hope For 'Dome' Theater

The familiar sight of Pleasant Hill's grey "dome" could soon be replaced by a sign for "Dick's Sporting Goods," if an appeal to save the theater fails — or if developers decide to start bulldozing before the city can make a decision.

A group called "Save the Pleasant Hill Dome" submitted the appeal on April 8 and the city has 45 days to respond. But a demolition permit for the 46-year-old CinéArts theater has already been issued and can be acted upon as early as the end of this month.

"The proposed demolition of the theater is separate and not directly affected by this appeal," said Public Information Officer Martin Nelis in an email to Patch, adding that the city has "no information on a schedule for demolition by the property owner."

Both the Planning Commission and the city's Architectural Review Commission have approved the SyWest redevelopment plans for the Crossroads Shopping Center, despite pushback from local "dome" supporters. A Change.org petition has accumulated almost 2,500 signatures and public comments both in person and in writing have been made to the City of Pleasant Hill. 

"[The 'dome'] is an important part of our history," said Ron Borland in a comment to the Architectural Review Commission, as shown in the video above. "It's only five years less old than the town itself."

The full appeal is attached to this article.

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