In the heart of Berkley, a familiar landmark—the marquee of the former Rite Aid building—has become a focal point of discussion at the recent city council meeting. As the council members gathered under the warm glow of city hall lights, they addressed the future of this iconic structure, which has long served as a canvas for community announcements.

City officials clarified a common misconception: the marquee is not city-owned but belongs to the building's owners. Since the theater's closure in 1993, the city has maintained a lease allowing it to use the marquee for public messaging. However, this lease has expired, prompting a reevaluation of the city's relationship with the marquee.

The council discussed a new lease agreement that would allow the city to continue utilizing the marquee while addressing rising operational costs. The current owners, facing high electrical bills for a largely vacant space, have requested that the city contribute to these costs, estimated at around $1,000 per month. This request comes as the owners seek to minimize expenses during a transitional period of ownership.

In addition to financial considerations, the council acknowledged structural issues with the marquee that require immediate attention. The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has committed to funding necessary repairs, which will temporarily turn off the marquee's lights. This pause will not only facilitate repairs but also provide the city with a clearer understanding of the marquee's electrical costs.

As the council deliberated, they recognized the marquee's significance to the community and expressed a commitment to its future. The proposed short-term lease would involve a payment of $4,000 to the building owners for lighting the marquee from December 2024 through March 2025, with plans to reassess the situation as ownership transitions unfold.

The meeting concluded with a sense of cautious optimism. While the marquee's future remains uncertain, the city council is determined to work collaboratively with future tenants to ensure this beloved landmark continues to shine brightly for the Berkley community.