Judge extends time to save Cradock’s Afton Theatre – The Virginian

PORTSMOUTH

A judge gave efforts to save the old Afton Theatre in Cradock another eight months after hearing an update on the venture Monday.

Assistant City Attorney Burle U. Stromberg told the judge that while there had been significant progress in the cleanup of the 1930s-era movie theater, the fundraising campaign for a new roof has been slow.

Stromberg said he would try to help supporters of the Afton find tax credits to help with the renovation.

David Beachler, owner of the empty building, with the help of Fred Schoenfeld, owner of downtown’s popular 1940s-era Commodore Theatre, has set up a nonprofit to raise money for the Afton.

They have been coming before the judge periodically since February 2011 after the city took codes violations to court.

For now, the city is trying to work with the owner.

To many former and current residents of Cradock, the theater is a symbol of community life when the World War I neighborhood was thriving.

During Monday’s hearing, Circuit Judge James C. Hawks asked about an asbestos report that was needed before moving ahead.

Stromberg estimated the report would cost $1,000 to $1,500. Portsmouth Sheriff Bill Watson, who was in the courtroom, walked up to the city attorney to offer a donation from his office’s community service fund to pay for the asbestos report.

Janie Bryant, 757-446-2453, janie.bryant@pilotonline.com

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