The Charleston Board of Zoning, Appeals and Planning recommended that a drive-in movie theater be granted a conditional use permit at Thursdays meeting.

If approved the Charleston City Council, a one screen first-theater would open at 375 N. 14th St.

The board recommended the proposal with the condition that a buffer be placed on the west, south and east sides of the proposed theater.

The buffer would have to be a mixture of trees with the possibility of a fence depending on the distance between the property lines.

Petitioner Mark McSparin, owner of Sensible Theaters, was not able to attend the meeting. Carl McSparin presented to the board.

He showed a drawing of the theater, which would include the old Eagles Lodge building to be used as the concession area.

While an exact count was not known, McSparin said estimated the theater would allow between 200-300 cars to view a movie.

The 30 feet by 60 feet screen would face south. If a second screen were added it would face west.

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Charleston resident Ed Carter, expressed concerns about noise and visibility from his property.

On his property, he would be able to see the screen, he said.

McSparin said the only noise problems people in the area should have is if they turn the radio on. There would be no loud speaker.

The theater would show G, PG and PG-13 rated films, but also rated R films that would include action but not sex, McSparin said.

He added that his family owns or have owned three drive-in theaters and the most successful show family friendly films.

Carter said he was not against any business coming to Charleston as long it was policed correctly.

The board also recommended that the theater be allowed to use gravel for a parking lot as long as weeds and dust are kept under control.

The board also recommended that 1917, 1919, 1921, 1927, 2005 and 2009 18th St. be rezoned to commercial.

The board also recommended that a zoning change be denied for 1139, 1143 and 1151 Sixth St. since the petitioners were not at the meeting.

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

Zoning board member, Tim Jacobs, talks about how property value of the homes that are along route 130 south of Lincoln avenue if the land is changed to commercial zoning during Thursday night’s Zoning Board meeting at City Hall. (John Bailey/The Daily Eas

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