The fate of one of the Chicago area’s last drive-in theatres could be decided tonight.

A developer bought property last year that includes Aurora’s Hi-Lite 30 Drive-In and is offering to donate the theatre to the city.

Aurora Mayor Thomas Weisner says the city would then be responsible for bringing the property up to code. He doesn’t believe government should be in the business of subsidizing sentimentality.

“What I would not like to see is the city spending somewhere in the neighborhood of a million or more dollars of unbudgeted funds to deal with a site that is basically, you know, pretty much a wreckage,” he said.

Some aldermen and residents say the theatre offers a low-cost option for families looking for a night out.

The city council could settle the issue at its meeting tonight.