Path far from clear for an outdoor theater in Hoffman Estates

Hoffman Estates residents and village officials are unsure how Monday's vote will swing over the final site plans for the Prairie Creek Amphitheater.

While many in the community support construction of the 8,900-seat outdoor theater -- saying it would fill a void left by the 1994 closure of Poplar Creek Music Theater -- there is also strong opposition.

Skeptics remain concerned about increased noise and traffic levels. Some also wonder how the theater would affect the Sears Centre arena.

"It's going to be one of those nights," Mayor William McLeod said.

Though various permits would still be needed, Monday's vote would effectively give village approval for the venue.

McLeod sought out concert promoter Jam Productions, which would operate the venue. He said Prairie Creek would complement the Sears Centre. Jam has also produced shows at the Sears Centre.

"I think it would be a good thing," McLeod said. "It would be positive impact on the people that live in the community."

Village officials have done noise tests, and say levels will meet state standards. They also say they'd avoid scheduling events at the Sears Centre and Prairie Creek on the same day.

Resident Lisa Longo lives nears the proposed site at the Prairie Stone Business Park. She helped circulate a petition opposing the theater. She collected 386 signatures, about half of which are from unincorporated residents outside of Hoffman Estates.

Longo believes three trustees are set to vote against the plan.

She's concerned the theater would take away business from the Sears Centre. While Prairie Creek would be paid for with private money, the village has invested $50 million into the Sears Centre.

Longo said the village should concentrate on making the Sears Centre a success, because if it fails, it would saddle residents with debt and higher taxes.

"We know if the Sears Centre fails, we own it," she said. "It will come out of our taxes. How else are they going to pay back that loan?"

Longo said noise and traffic concerns are secondary, saying much of that was addressed when the $60 million, 12,000-seat Sears Centre opened in 2006.

Village officials envision an entertainment district at the Prairie Stone that would also include a water park and hotels. The village board is paying consultants to look at how to market the area. Trustees are also debating what to call the area.

Trustee Karen Mills doesn't see a conflict between Sears Centre and Prairie Creek, as acts are more likely to play outdoor venues during warmer months.

"From day-one, when we first looked at the Sears arena, we heard an indoor arena does not draw well in the summer months. That was put on the table even before talk of this outdoor arena came up," she said.

Mills said she has yet to make up her mind which way she'll vote. She said she's reluctant to accept the first plan offered to the board.

Longo compared the potential noise nuisance to the concern surrounding the additional trains that would pass through the village if the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway is sold. Mills disagreed, saying the village could do things to lessen the impact of the theater on residents.

"You can't stop a railroad," Mills said.

Jam has tweaked the original plan, including rotating the theater so it faces northeast instead of northwest. That was done to reduce the impact of noise for neighbors.

Jam's Jerry Michelson was unable to be reached for comment.

Prairie Creek would have about half the capacity of the now-defunct, 20,000-seat Poplar Creek. It would also lack lawn seats. About three-fourths of the theater would be enclosed to reduce outside noise and provide shelter from the elements. Originally, officials thought the theater would open around Memorial Day, but that was postponed.