As we have been reporting to you earlier this year, the Strand renovation is moving along nicely. According to the AJC, there are quite some mixed opionion on the progress that is being made with the renovation/restoration.

Published on: 05/18/06

The Strand Theater on the Marietta Square plans to host a grand reopening next summer. The 1930s-era theater is being restored to seat 500 for shows and will include a coffee shop and an open-air reception area. Last week, the Cobb County Commission approved a $250,000 grant to push restoration along. Friends of the Strand, the nonprofit group restoring the theater, has a 50-year lease on the building, which is owned by the Goldstein family. The lease is rent-free for the first eight years. After that, rent will start at $10,000 a month.

While the county government agreed to a contribution, the matter has been a little sticky. A commissioner and various Cobb residents have said they are wary of putting tax money into the venture.

Here is a snapshot of some opinions of residents of Cobb County according to an AJC article

Cobb Opinions asked people in the Marietta Square:

Yes. It’s a good idea. If the theater is restored, it would benefit the whole area.

JAMIE HUMPHREY, Marietta

Maybe. Generally, I don’t think government should give money to private groups. And, I wonder what I might have to give up if the county is spending tax money that way. But, I’d rather the government give money to something like that than social welfare programs.

DAVID DAWSON, Acworth

No. I don’t necessarily think the county should spend money on the theater; the city perhaps, since it is in Marietta. I live in east Cobb, and I don’t get up to the square that often, so I’m not sure it would directly benefit me. I do hope that the private group trying to restore it makes a go of it. I’ve seen various groups through the years try to restore it.

TIFFANY McKINNON, East Cobb

No. If it will be privately operated and privately benefit from profits, then the theater should not receive money from the government. Once it opens, it will pay for itself. It will be successful.

KEITH HINES, Marietta

Yes. I think the county should give the money. My family is here all the time, and we would use it. Sure, the theater won’t benefit everyone, but nothing ever does. Besides, for the county, $200,000 is a drop in the bucket compared with what it spends money on.

LAURIE STRICKLAND, Marietta

Yes. Sure. Contribute the money. It is a great idea to keep a nice historic site going. The money will go there, or someplace else. We might as well know where it goes.

CHRISTINA TEMBO, Marietta

What do you all think? Is the progress that’s being made a good thing? Is it to connected to certain Marietta families that have a vested interest in the project? What are you thoughts/opinions? Discuss it below!