Written by G.G. Rigsby
Originally published on Savannahnow.com
As Springfield’s Mars Theatre gets ready to debut another first-run movie – Godzilla – tomorrow, city council members were told that 640 people saw the first movie shown in the theater in 57 years – the Amazing Spider-Man 2 – in six showings.
“It’s good. We’re doing what we were hoping to do,” said Tommy Deadwyler, director of cultural affairs. “Get more people on the street, create jobs, make a better life.”
At the council’s Tuesday night meeting, council member Jerry Maennche asked if the theater that opened April 25 is making money.
“This is not going to be a money-making venture,” City Manager Brett Bennett said.
“It can’t lose money,” Maennche replied.
“It can’t,” Bennett said. “There will be events and shows where you’ll lose money. At the end of the day, it’s not costing us an arm and a leg to operate.”
Bennett said if it were possible to make money from a single-screen theater in Springfield, someone in the private sector already would be doing it.
He said the movies at the Mars are going to be cheaper than at the theater in Pooler and the concessions will be half the price they are in Pooler.
A ticket to see Godzilla at the Mars is $7, while it’s $10 for an evening showing in Pooler.
The theater already has created new jobs in the community – the four part-time workers who operate the venue, Deadwyler said. And area businesses are benefitting from the increased traffic downtown, he said.
Coming attractions include the Effingham County High School chorus; Bruce Hampton, known as the father of Atlanta’s rock scene; and the Savannah Children’s Choir.
In other action Tuesday night, the Springfield council voted 4-1 to move forward with annexing the 148 acres where the city’s spray field and wastewater treatment plant are located.
Bennett said owning the property will allow the city to grow around its infrastructure. “I think if we own it, we ought to control it,” said council member Charles Hinely.
Council member Kenny Usher voted against the annexation. He said he’s opposed to spot zoning and annexing islands. “I believe in the city growing but I believe it needs to expand naturally, grow from the contiguous borders,” he said.
Mayor Barty Alderman said annexing the property gives the city “absolute control.”
“I don’t know when absolute control is a necessity,” Usher said.
In other action, the city council agreed to name May Community Action Month, noting 50 years of the agencies promoting self-sufficiency for those with limited incomes. Janice Mydell of Concerted Services Inc. accepted the proclamation.
Originally published on May 14, 2014
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