Last picture show marks the end of an era for the area

SPARTA - The movie marquee spanning the entrance of the Sparta Theater remained without an attraction this week. After years of dwindling attendance and deteriorating facilities, the curtain closed earlier this month on the last picture show at the Sparta Theater, leaving behind a smattering of movie buffs and making the end of another era in the area’s history. Within the next two months, the ancient theater will be demolished to make way for a new multiplex cinema, restaurant and office space at the site long-known - for lack of a better name - as the theater plaza off Woodport Road. The planning board gave its nod of approval to the developers of the proposed project last week at a concept hearing. Nouvelle Associates of Sparta will now attempt to secure permits and the required inspections to move the project along. “We’re hoping we can fast-track it,” said Peter D’Antonio, who, along with his partner, Luciano Bruni, plan to build a structure to support three movie screens on the lower level, a Panera Bread restaurant on the ground floor, and office space above. “We’re hoping the township residents will support the theater after reconstruction because it will have a new face and operate a little differently,” he said. D’Antonio said he has invited the theater’s current tenant back to manage the cinema complex. The Galaxy Theater Corporation, which is in the final two years of a 10-year contract, is negotiating with Nouvelle to work out a new agreement. When Nouvelle first acquired rights to the site, a reconstructed theater was not part of the original script. But the plot changed following feedback from local residents and input from township officials including the planner and manager. “I’m very, very happy,” said Sparta Mayor Ailish Hambel. “I’ve been approached by many residents in town who did not want to lose the theater in the center of town.” The theater had been the frequent target of complaints about deteriorating conditions including poor heating and ventilation and seating. Last year, the township ordered the theater closed for a short period after inspectors discovered a construction code violation. D’Antonio, who said there are still some parking issues expected during construction that need to be ironed out with local businesses and the township, hopes to go before the planning board to gain final approval for the development by the middle of April. “We realize this can be positive for the business community; not only for the tenants occupying the new space, but for the entire plaza,” he said. “It’s the type of activity that draws people into the plaza.” Nouvelle Associates is currently overseeing a number of senior housing properties within the township, including development of the Hamlet at Towne Center. The complex, under construction at the site of the former Central Restaurant on Main Street, will include age-restricted housing and office space. “They (Nouvelle) are a major player in Sparta,” said planning board member Ernest Hofer. “They seem to be - at least architecturally - conforming to the town center concept.” Nouvelle also plans to build an age-restricted housing development, which would include 42 units, a community center, and exercise room, at the former Valley View Manor off Woodport Road.