A proposal to expand the Crown Uptown Theater in east Wichita is in limbo after a discussion Tuesday by the City Council.
The theater owner wants to expand the facility from its current capacity of 850 persons to 2,066 persons, saying this would bring in more high-profile artists and make the theater more profitable. Concerns were raised by planning staff about parking and they also said adding a sprinkler system would only raise the capacity to 1,500 people. College Hill residents have voiced concerns over increased traffic, noise pollution and parking.
The Council voted to send the issue back to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for more consideration. The MAPC had earlier voted to approve the proposal.
The theater owners have said if the proposal is not approved, they will have to close the theater and possibly tear it down.
