Butala said the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and Museum in Sharon made an offer to buy the Columbia but the non-profit organization that owns the theater rejected it.

Butala said he's "livid" over Columbia Theatre Inc.'s refusal of the Hall of Fame's offer of up to $10,000. And he is wondering why the offer was turned down.

"It doesn't make sense," he said.

Columbia Theatre Inc.'s board decided May 14 to auction off the former showplace in downtown Sharon.

Pamela Voisey, executive director of the Columbia Theatre Inc., said the group was not expecting to make a profit on the sale of the building, and the buyer would have to pay off some "very minimal debt."

In a May 21 letter, Bob Crosby, president and chief executive officer of the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation -- which Butala founded and maintains control over --made a formal offer and enclosed a down payment of $100 for the building. "Per our discussion, we are prepared to take over past debt not exceeding $10,000, as full payment for the deed, title and all assets," says the letter from Crosby to Board President Mitzi Kuster.

The Hall of Fame also wants Columbia Theatre Inc. to give up its name and allow "Columbia Theatre to keep its name and identities," the letter says.

On May 23 Crosby received a letter refusing the offer and his returned check.

In that letter, Mrs. Kuster says the organization "is soliciting bids from interested parties for the theater in order to insure that it receives fair market value for the building. We will notify you of the terms, conditions and deadlines for the submission of written bids."

Butala said he was told the theater's debts were about $8,500 and termed the Hall of Fame's offer fair.

Mrs. Voisey said this morning she was "advised by the board" not to comment. "I'm not going to respond to Tony," she said.

Butala said no one will tell him why his offer was rejected or what the board considers "fair market value."

He also wonders how the organization will ensure that a new owner will continue to renovate the theater.

Butala said Richard Epstein, solicitor for the board, told him the board will receive private, sealed bids for the theater.

Epstein said several people are interested in buying the theater, and the board has an obligation to get fair market value for the property. Epstein said the board is trying to be fair not only to Butala but to the other people interested in the property.

"Let us prove what we can do to this (building,)" Butala said.

Butala said he feels there's a bias against him, though he doesn't know why.

"It's (Columbia Theatre Inc.) a nonprofit that I started ... There's nothing personal here. I don't know what her (Mrs. Voisey) prejudice is. I thought I was doing them a favor."

The Columbia Theatre was damaged by fire in 1981. Butala bought it at auction in 1984 for $10,000. Butala turned the building over to the newly formed Columbia Theatre Inc. with the understanding that the group would work toward renovating the structure.

"Isn't it a shame? I bought it once 20 years ago," Butala said. "I'm willing to buy it again."

Butala said he wants to enlist vocal groups to hold performances in the area to raise funds to renovate the theater. He said The Lettermen will hold the first concert June 30 at Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio. The proceeds will go to the theater and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, he said.

No matter who owns the theater at the time, Butala said, he will still donate the money for its renovation.

Butala said he sees the Columbia Theatre as an integral part of the community, especially with the planned revitalization of downtown Sharon.

To that end, Butala said, he plans to attend a revitalization meeting at 7 tonight in the Sharon City Building.

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at:

kgarrett@sharon-herald.com