A proposal to open a drive-in movie theater in Charleston goes before the Board of Zoning, Appeals and Planning today.

The proposal to build a drive-in theater at 375 N. 14th St. was continued from the March 13 meeting after the board did not meet the quorum of four members, said board Secretary Ann Brownson.

Charleston resident Mark McSparin plans to build the theater on the site of the Eagle Lodge.

McSparin is owner of Sensible Theaters, which owns movie theaters in Dixon, Ottawa and Sterling.

He also owns a drive-in theater in Salem.

The last drive-in movie theater in Charleston closed in the 1980s.

Brownson said she does not know the specifics of the theater because McSparin has not presented them to the board yet.

“First the petitioner will present to the board,” Brownson said.

After the presentation, the board asks questions and then the audience asks questions.

After questions, anyone at the meeting can speak in favor of the petition, followed by those who wish to speak against it.

Brownson said any concerns about the drive-in theater would probably come from nearby residents.

After the petitioner responds to comments, the board discusses it and votes on a recommendation to send to the city council, Brownson said.

Charleston Mayor John Inyart said the theater could be a nice addition to the entertainment environment in the community.

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During his State of the City Address on Jan. 26 at the Charleston Area Chamber of Commerce dinner, Inyart said he wanted to increase recreational opportunities in the city for those under 21.

Possible recreational venues Inyart mentioned during his address included a skating rink, a movie theater or a family entertainment center.

In other business at the board meeting, Kenny and Cidney Keefer are petitioning to rezone 1139, 1143 and 1151 Sixth St. from commercial zoning to residential.

Brownson said they want to renovate two of the properties and tear down the other, and place a duplex up.

One of the properties, 1139 Sixth St., is located within the boundaries of the historic district on Sixth and Seventh streets.

Also, the board will hear a proposal to rezone numerous properties along 18th Street from residential to commercial.

Matt Hopf can be reached at 581-7945 or at mthopf@eiu.edu.