Group Considers Options for Theater Demolition

The planned demolition of the Towne Playhouse on Ridge Avenue in Roxborough appears to be an inevitability, according to a neighborhood organization.

There may not be much the community can do to save the theater, but residents have an opportunity to voice their opinions about what will replace it, according to Montgomery Media News.

An email from the Wissahickon Interested Citizens Association addresses a few options for community members concerned about the project. They could do nothing and let the developer continue with the demolition of the theater and adjacent properties, which would clear the way for a commercial property topped with residential units.

Fighting the demolition is another possiblity, but the development plans are within the zoning requirements and do not require a hearing, making it near impossible to mount a strong defense against the plan, according to the report.

“Interior demolition permits have been granted and total demolition permits will likely be granted soon on the Towne Playhouse on Ridge Ave.,” wrote WICA President Jon Miller. “As part of the appeal process for a zoning variance, the ZBA requires property owners to meet with the community organization for input to be considered as part of the ZBA’s ruling. In the case of the Towne Playhouse, no deviation from zoning is being requested. There is no appeal to the ZBA and no requirement for neighborhood input.”

Miller says that the developer has agreed to meet with neighborhood residents at WICA’s next monthly meeting on May 5 to discuss what the new building will look like and how it will fit into the community.

The Towne Playhouse was formerly known as the Wissahickon Theatre, a 400-seat theater that turned into a dance studio for the last few years before its closing.