I am glad you changed your mind and decided to pursue your "bucket list."

I have to wonder which business would better serve the larger community. I'm all for resources for children, but I think a theatre would have generated more foot traffic in town and benefitted other businesses -- even the existing movie theatre.

I thought the issue (first) was parking and traffic. These other businesses won't bring in too much parking and traffic? I can't think of anything that causes more congestion than a group of minivans and a bunch of preschoolers tra-la-la-ing to go play with legos and puppets. By the way, it sounds like a GREAT business, but so does the theater. I'm not sure why the town gets to play favorites with someone's dream, money, and livelihood.

IMO a theater playing movies from the 1930s & 40s would not have appealed to many in the community, but I would have liked something else for those of us 50+ although I favor resources for children.

The board never rejected the theater plan. The property owner took it off the application because of the objection, which would have greatly increased the cost and length of the process.

Speak for yourself, Pauline! A theater would appeal to more than a playroom for children! Instead, it would draw students from colleges, couples out on datenights, and any theater-goer who loves cinema. It would bring culture back, as opposed to the smut you can find in today's movies. It certainly is better than another nail salon, CVS, or an empty building. From the posts I have read before, Mr. Walsh sounds like someone who would have contributed to this town and made it something great. I'm surprised we haven't chased him away...or maybe we have!

Better watch out, those "children" at this supposed "children's museum" could be secretly planning to open a theater to compete with Westwood Theaters! And think of the parking problems all those Cozy Coupes could cause! What a town you have in Westwood...allowing powerful lawyers to strong-arm people into withdrawing is the same as rejecting them in the end.

Deidre Rae, I "spoke for myself" that's why I started my comment with "IMO." A 'Golden Age' Theater just doesn't make good business sense to me, but of course, others may disagree.

You may be right or may be wrong, but it looks like the real issue is the bullying of new small business owners in Westwood by one very powerful individual, who seems to have the power to dictate who gets a business and who doesn't. That's wrong. Other postings have pointed out this isn't the first time this has been done.

Pathetic. Westwood Board shld be ashamed of themselves for letting this bully kill a retiree's dream. What a ridiculous stance to take by hiding behind the guise of parking. For a business that wld be open 2 days a wk. I hope the town of Westeood becomes a parking lot with this "Children's Playhouse/museum". So much for culture and honoring the classics. I'll never again step foot in Westwood.

The objection process should move swiftly and quickly. In fact, if the theater or any project was zoned for such and is an allowed use in the space, then issues like parking should have already been addressed.

Hey Mr. Walsh:
I know what you forgot to do....... bring a bag of money along with your application... It seems that everyone's in Westwood's back pocket except for the citizens.... man does this smell......

Well at least the new Children's Theatre won't need parking.... Oh wait, yes they will be driving and parking.. Silly me.... BUT WAIT... Isn't parking Westwood's objection?? I'm so confused.... sometimes money does that....

We need the board to publish the details of their rationale including the parking comparitives between the two applicants. If it's too costly to do so, they can all afford to do it personally, eh?

What an outrage.

Mr. Walsh, you are better off not opening in this town. Perhaps it's a foreshadowing of what would come to pass had you been been approved. Find an honest place where you will be appreciated and the citizens will be the priority.