Over the weekend, word got out that the Chicago Tabernacle has expressed interest in buying the historic Portage Theater and converting it into a place of worship. This quickly blossomed into a small-scale Internet kerfuffle, with both Roger Ebert and the Huffington Post spreading the news. John Arena, the 45th Ward alderman who’d been speaking with Chicago Tabernacle representatives, announced on Thursday (which likely set off said kerfuffle) that he will work to preserve the Portage as is; and the Portage Park Neighborhood Association quickly seconded his call. The PPNA scheduled a meeting for tonight at 7:30 PM to discuss the matter. The meeting will be held at 4839 W. Irving Park and is open to the public.