UPDATE: Petition to Save Rejected Oscar Hammerstein Theater & Museum?

Will Hammerstein, Oscar Hammerstein II's grandson, wanted to honor the great Broadway lyricist the best way he knew how: by building a museum and education theater.

Will put in a bid to create the museum and education theater in Doylestown, PA according to the Reporter-Herald. He wanted to build the proposed theater and museum on his grandfather's former Pennsylvania farm, Highland Farm.

The zoning board in Doylestown Township voted this past Monday and denied the proposal, which consisted of Will needing to build a 400-seat theater.

BroadwayWorld has learned there is a petition, which started back in February, which might help to save the proposed project in the event that Will Hammerstein files an appeal.

The petition reads:

"We, the undersigned, are proud to add our names to a list a people who wish to honor and support the memory of Oscar Hammerstein. We urge the Doylestown Township Zoning Hearings Board to support the action to preserve the only portion of the original Oscar Hammerstein's Highland Farm a bona fide American treasure as well as source of Bucks County pride.

"Millions of people have been moved and inspired by his works for nearly three quarters of a century. Even the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences gave tribute to his work at the 2015 Academy Awards ceremony. On his demise the lights were turned off on Broadway and Times Square as well as dimmed in London's West End as a tribute to his genius and contributions to the entertainment arts.

"We feel strongly that it is important that he should be honored in a lasting tribute where he was inspired to construct and perfect such works as "The King and I," "The Sound of Music," and "Oklahoma" to name but a few.

"We thank you for supporting an exceptional American as well as a proud resident of Doylestown, Bucks County, USA so that future artists may be able to learn and perform at The Oscar Hammerstein Museum and Theater Education Center as proposed."

Neighbors in Doylestown, PA opposed this proposal at Highland Farm sighting excess noise, traffic and other safety issues accompanied the propsed theater and museum.

Will told The Doylestown Intelligener that "he anticipated the decision. He hasn't decided if he'll appeal but says it'd be tough to overturn the three-member board's unanimous decision."

The farm was Oscar Hammerstein II residence during his legendary partnership with Richard Rodgers. The duo is known for creating numerous classic Broadway musicals including South Pacific, Oklahoma!, Cinderella and The King and I, which is currently beig revived at The Vivian Beaumont Theater at Lincoln Center starring Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara and Ken Watanabe.