Protesters rally at Von Lee

A group of about 30 protesters and onlookers gathered in front of the Von Lee Cinema, 517 E. Kirkwood Ave, on Saturday to voice concerns about the future of the historic downtown building. \nThe protesters were concerned that Kerasotes Theatres, Inc. is not acting in good faith in its sale of the theater.\n"They have an anti-competition clause (in the sale contract), which we believe is un-American," said Kevin Bazur, a member of the Committee to Save the Von Lee. Bazur said he is concerned that the anti-competition clause, which prevents the Von Lee from being used to show any movies, will leave the downtown area without a cinema.\n"Our main thrust is for Kerasotes to remove any legal covenants on the Indiana (Buskirk-Chumley) Theatre and the Von Lee that bar them from showing movies," he said. \nTo that end, Bazur and the Committee to Save the Von Lee are advocating not purchasing popcorn when viewing features at Kerasotes theaters. Most theaters break even from ticket sales; the real profits for the companies are found in selling snacks and refreshments, committee members said. So, by not buying popcorn, people can theoretically hurt Kerasotes' bottom line over time.\n"We're not saying don't go to the movies. We're saying don't buy the popcorn," Bazur said. \nLocal pediatric dentist and self-described "movie buff" Keith Roberts, who is also a member of the Committee to Save the Von Lee, wonders why Kerasotes seems so intent on denying Bloomington a downtown theater.\n"(Kerasotes) have very nice, small downtown theaters that they've renovated (in other cities)," Roberts said. Some of these cities in Indiana include Vincennes, Princeton and Washington. \nChris Sturbaum, another member of the Committee to Save the Von Lee, said that further protests and pickets are planned at other Kerasotes theaters in Bloomington. Sturbaum said he believes that features of Bloomington, such as small downtown theaters like the Von Lee, need to remain. \n"We should conserve the character that draws people here," Sturbaum said. \nRepeated calls to Kerasotes Theatres, Inc. director of real estate Bob Gallivan were not returned by press time.