Bal Theatre Owner Faces Break-Ins, Hostile Neighbors, Parking Headaches

The first six months of 2011 haven't been easy for Bal Theatre owner Dan Dillman. 

In the midst of the back and forth with the city over — which Dillman says is now behind him, since officials have expressed support for such events at the Bal even if they disagree with him on some of the details — he was waging another battle with burglars.

Thieves broke into the Bal on March 15, stealing an estimated $60,000 to $70,000 worth of equipment from Dillman's computer repair shop.

"We were wiped clean," Dillman said, but added that he was persistent with his insurance company to help recoup the losses.

He reinforced the doorframe and locks after the theft. Dillman is glad he made the effort, since on May 18 would-be thieves again smashed the glass on one of the Bal's double doors. They crawled inside and tried to kick down the entrance to the repair shop for a second time, but failed, thanks to Dillman’s security measures

Still, he had to replace a glass window again.

Afterward, Dillman installed iron bars — decorated with a cherry branch motif — on the Bal's facade to prevent any more robbery attempts.

Dillman says graffiti has also been an occasional problem, but that he removes it as soon as he spots it, whether it’s on his property or on the property of his not-so-friendly neighbors, the Kerrys.

Not-So-Neighborly Feud Continues

Dillman and the Kerrys have had since he bought the property in 2008. The Kerrys, who own real estate throughout the city, have pushed for demolishing the theater in the past and have had several run-ins with Dillman in recent years.

In one incident, Dillman alleged that Dolores "Dee" Kerry hit him in the head repeatedly with a metal object. Dillman called the police, and the Kerrys, in turn, accused him of false imprisonment, according to Dillman.  

Dee and Jeff Kerry voiced their opposition to Dillman’s plans for the Bal at the May meeting of the city's Board of Zoning Adjustments, a seven-member citizen board appointed by the mayor to make decisions on zoning changes.

The couple have been the most vocal critics of the theater, despite the largely supportive and positive response it has received from the community.

Dee Kerry said events at the theater constituted "a terrible burden on surrounding communities," particularly because patrons take up parking spaces in the surrounding neighborhood.

"There's just the idea of it being this wonderful theater. Well, it's not," she said. "Just because you paint and put up a new marquee doesn't make it a new theater."

The Kerrys walked out of the meeting early, during the middle of a plea by Dillman apologizing for any wrongdoing and begging them to tell him how he could mend the relationship. 

Parking: A Real Issue, As Usual

Other neighbors have also voiced concerns about the theater’s lack of parking. Alyson Angeles, who lives nearby, told the zoning board she feared for her safety when she had to park a block or two away from her home during a recent event. 

"I worry enough about putting food on the table and now I have to worry about being at home at a certain time to find parking," she said.

Former Mayor Shelia Young, who lives across the street from the Bal, said during the New Year’s Eve event parking in "the entire neighborhood was taken up.” Still, she said she supported Dillman’s efforts to revive the theater.

"I think it's a great concept. He has cleaned up the neighborhood. But I am a little concerned about live performances," she said.

In contrast, Laura Sheridan, who lives on 148th Avenue, told the zoning board that the Bal's revival hadn't made parking any more of a problem than it already was.

"Parking is an issue. Anywhere you go in San Leandro parking is an issue. The Bal has not made a change in that," she said.

"So let's not freak out about how this new use will affect us. I fully support giving this theater the chance to succeed in our neighborhood," Sheridan told the board.

Still, all of the zoning commissioners expressed concern about parking, and said the onus was on Dillman to come up with a workable solution. Several mentioned a potential shuttle to carry people from the parking lots at  to the theater.

But Dillman said it would cost him too much. "It's a great idea, but it's not feasible," he said.

Dillman said he encourages patrons to park on East 14th Street or Bancroft Avenue instead of on neighborhood streets. He also said several nearby businesses, including Pep Boys and CVS, both located across the street, have agreed to allow patrons to park there.

Dillman said he's prepared for his second hearing before the zoning board by counting the number of parking spots available to customers on the two closest main thoroughfares, East 14th Street and Bancroft Avenue. 

So far, he says he’s counted more than 300 spots just in the few closest blocks on those streets, which is more than enough parking, assuming most patrons who attend live shows travel with an average of three people per vehicle.

"There is plenty of parking. There always has been," he said, adding that his permit does not require him to provide parking.

Commissioner Thomas Makin, who represents the district that includes the Bal, said it was important for the board to really look at the potential impacts of live events "instead of a promise that this will get worked out further down the line if we just give him the chance."

But he added, "It is a great thing to see that marquee lit up. So I commend him for his efforts."

Vice Chair Catherine Vierra Houston, who said she went to the Bal as a child when her mother wanted some peace and quiet, said no one will know for sure what works and what doesn't until it happens.

"Certainly, nothing ventured, nothing gained," she said.

Dillman couldn't agree more.

The Bal Theatre has come full circle, he says.

Renny LaMarre built the Bal in 1946 to showcase both films and live musical acts, Dillman says, and now he, someone who also has experience managing recording artists and organizing concert tours, is using the space as it was intended.

“I feel like the building’s been waiting for me to show up and use it how it’s meant to be used,” Dillman said. “There are trials and tribulations, but in the end things seem to work out.”

“I’m never selling. Ever. This is my dream. This is my lifelong goal."

The Board of Zoning Adjustments will vote in one week whether to approve an updated conditional use permit for the theater that allows live shows but places several restrictions on them that Dillman hopes commissioners will remove. The board will meet July 7 at 7 p.m. in City Council chambers.