The show is over for the Skyvue Drive-In. New property owner Kenny Miers does not appear to have plans to reopen the location as an outdoor movie venue.
Miers owns a local excavating company and a trucking company. According to online Beacon property records, Miers finalized the $200,000 sale Friday. Previously owned by G.W. Pierce Auto Parts, Inc., the sale was made to Miers Property, LLC.
Crews began clearing the former Skyvue property over the weekend.
The Skyvue opened June 3, 1967. The drive-in opened for its final season in the summer of 2015, leased by Rick and Elaine Dearduff, who operate The Castle Theater.
On The Courier-Times facebook page, many expressed sadness after learning the fate of the local drive-in. Some said they were sorry they wouldn’t have the opportunity to take their children there, and recalled fond memories from years past.
“It’s been such a huge part of our county’s history,” said Monica Altman. “For most of us, the drive in was a huge part of our childhoods. It was my first job. It’s sad that it will never be a drive in again. Once the place is demolished, it’s done. It’s just sad that whoever bought it doesn’t see the historical value or the value that the members of this community put on it.”
Others said that while sad, it was a sign times are changing.
“I’m surprised it’s lasted this long,” said Chris Denney. “It’s been losing money for years. I can’t blame the owners for selling it or the new owner for not wanting to keep it open. On the bright side it will free up land for a new business and new jobs to move into.”
Henry County Planning Commission staff member Darrin Jacobs said Monday that Miers can make demolition-related changes to his property without permits. In order to begin construction, however, Miers will need to apply for permits from the planning commission.
The property, located at 1126 W. County Rd. County Road 500 S., is currently zoned as highway business district. This designation refers to highway-oriented businesses that require large tracts of land, but expect to generate low-traffic volume.
According to the planning commission office, Miers started the application process to have the area rezoned to heavy industrial so that he can centralize his various businesses in one location. The county development code states that heavy industrial districts are established to provide for major manufacturing, processing, warehousing and research and testing operations.
These activities require extensive community facilities and reasonably good access to major collectors and interstate highways. Heavy industrial districts may generate heavy industrial-type traffic in the form of trucks and semis.