From: doug@access.digex.com (Doug Humphrey)
Newsgroups: digex.general,dc.general
Subject: Old Greenbelt Theater
Date: 4 Jan 1993 07:48:40 GMT
Organization: Express Access Online Communications, Greenbelt, MD USA
Distribution: dc
NNTP-Posting-Host: access.digex.com



The P&G Old Greenbelt Theater is trying to get legislation 
through to allow it to change its format from a regular 
theater to a "cinema-cafe" format.  This would be very 
similar, I believe, to the Bethesda Cinema and Drafthouse"
operation.

We here at Digital Express Group support this move very 
strongly for the following reasons:

1) The theater has been losing money consistantly, and the 
owner, Paul Sanchez, will be forced to close it if he is not
able to do something with it to increase traffic.  This is 
not a bluff tactic on his part.  We would rather have it be
open than closed for many reasons. We already support it as 
much as we can and still get our work done ;-) 

2) It would provide a nice atmosphere for not only movies, 
but also sporting events like the Redskin games.  A nice 
way for our employees to take a break and get away from the 
hum of the machines and the strangeness of unix for a while. 
Our offices are upstairs from the theater, so this would be
really great for us.

3) There is a chance that we can get them to buy a really 
nice espresso machine for the place (a personal favorite 
reason, I must admit ;-)


WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

If you can stop by the old Greenbelt shopping center, there 
are two events that you can participate in.  

1) Wednesday, 6 January 7-9pm  - there will be an informational 
meeting at the theater where the manager will tell people all 
about it and show the plans around, plus photos of a similar 
facility.  Everyone is invited.

2) Thursday, 7 January  8pm  - The Greenbelt City Council will 
hold a public hearing on the proposal.  The City Hall is right 
next to the old Mall, so directions are the same as for the 
theater.  This is open to the public, and people can speak on 
why they do or don't want to see thing happen.  Just a body couunt 
makes a real impression on City Council people, so even if you 
don't want say a few words, being there and cheering the speakers
you support is a good thing.  


If you can't make it but want to help out, then send me email and
I will put you on a list, and if these folks need to have any 
presure put on legislators or something, I will send you mail and 
you can fire off a letter or a phone call.  That kind of support
is critical.


Directions are below; they work for either meeting.  Thanks! -Doug


 
                            *----------*  Old Greenbelt Mall
                   City Hall|  Parking |             Theater
                        X   |          |              X
                            *----------*
                              |
                              |          
                   -----------+------ some road
                              |
                              |
                              |
                   -----------+---- some other road
                              |
               Centerway >>>  |
                              |
           BW Parkway Ramp >>>|----      |<<< BW Parkway
                              |          |
                              |          |
                              |          |
          ====================*=====================   Greenbelt Road (193)
                                         |
                                         |
                                         |
                                         |
                                         |
          ==========================================   DC Beltway
                                         |
    

      FROM WASHINGTON DC Beltway

      1) take BW Parkway exit toward BALTIMORE
      2) take first exit, Greenbelt Road (Route 193)
      3) at top of ramp, turn RIGHT (this will take you over the 
         parkway).
      4) at first light turn RIGHT on Centerway (this is also the 
         route you would take to get back on the BW Parkway toward
         Washington).
      5) PASS the entrance ramp for the BW Parkway toward DC (don't
         get on it).
      6) Take Centerway through 2 stop signs (pause at them, please).
      7) Go straight into the parking lot for the Old Grenbelt Center.
      8) Park.  Theater is in the Center, to the right, and the City 
         Hall is on the left, in a brick building.



      FROM BALTIMORE MD

      1) take the BW Parkway SOUTH
      2) take exit for Greenbelt Road (Route 193)
      3) at top of ramp, turn RIGHT onto Centerway.
      4) Take Centerway through 2 stop signs (pause at them, please).
      5) Go straight into the parking lot for the Old Grenbelt Center.
      6) Park.  Theater is in the Center, to the right, and the City 
         Hall is on the left, in a brick building.