"It means a lot to us:" Facebook group forms in an effort to save the Keno Drive-In

VILLAGE OF PLEASANT PRAIRIE (WITI) -- An American past time is passing away -- or is it? Owners of a Pleasant Prairie drive-in says it won't open for another season -- or ever. But a group is hoping to save the Keno Drive in, so future generations can enjoy it as they have.

"It means a lot to us and we hope that somehow they can save the Keno Drive-In so we can experience it with our grandkids," John Oldham said.

When Oldham thinks of the Keno Drive-In in Pleasant Prairie, he says it's synonymous with family. He has taken six kids there.

"We go there. You could take the kids in their pajamas. That way, when they most definitely fall asleep at the end of the night you can just carry them in and put them to bed," Oldham said.

When Oldham heard the Keno Drive-In was closed for good, he was devastated. He took to his computer -- starting a "Save the Kenosha Keno Drive-In April 2015" group on Facebook.

"I started the group because I was so disappointed and upset over the situation," Oldham said.

Steve Mills is the landowner under Berwick Properties. Mills, who is a real estate investor tells FOX6 News the drive-in needs $100,000 in upgrades to digital equipment and the 67-year-old facility needs improvements.

He has a long-term neighborhood plan, which depicts a retail supercenter at the corner of 91st Street and Sheridan Road, where the drive-in now stands -- along with adjacent residential units.

"Rumor has it that they're talking about a Walmart -- a neighborhood Walmart. They don't need that there," Oldham said.

Village officials have two alternate proposals for the property, which both include a cluster of smaller community-oriented retail buildings instead of a supercenter.

None of the proposals satisfy Oldham. He wants a drive-in.

"There's nothing like the drive-in. It's like -- to America, it's like baseball and apple pie," Oldham said.

A meeting will be held April 13th for public input -- followed by a Village of Pleasant Prairie Plan Commission meeting -- on the landowner's proposed neighborhood plan.