Daily News from New York, New York • 109

BY CHRISENA COLEMAN DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER f' I 0 VAtr I life i -i-ftnmtniit ---------ffiniiiimfn -1 FOR THE PAST two years, Harlem's 125th St. has been abuzz, wondering what was going on behind the big blue construction wall that surrounded the Apollo Theater. "It's a major renovation, but I don't know what it will look like," said Sikhu-la Shange, owner of the 125th Street Record Shack across the street. "I know it's going to be an amazing marquee, and that will bring more excitement to the community." Harlem resident Eric Woods, who owns the Harlem Vintage store on 120th said he passes the theater daily and each time gets more excited. "My father used to go to the Apollo back in the day when James Brown used to perform there," said Woods.

"The Apollo has always been a landmark in Harlem, but I hope the renovation will help make it the beacon of the community once again." Well, there's no need to wonder anymore. Today, Mayor Bloomberg and former President Bill Clinton will help unveil the Apollo's newly restored facade and high-tech digital marquee. The theater's exterior will include a fully refurbished terra-cotta facade, a stainless steel and glass storefront and a new box office. The marquee's design will combine a 1940s vintage style with modern details, such as high-tech, programmable LED visuals. Jonelle Procope, president of the Apollo Theater Foundation said the new facade will be a symbol of Harlem's new renaissance.

"We are extremely proud to unveil the new face of the historic Apollo Theater," said Procope. "Accomplished through the hard work and generous support of our donors, the Apollo's newly restored exterior is certain to help guarantee its legacy and secure its future as a cultural mecca and respected community partner." The Apollo has a rich history, including its amateur night, which launched the careers of many entertainment superstars. It first opened its doors in 1934, at a time when black performers couldn't perform at many venues. It remained a staple in the Harlem community for decades, but in the 1970s, the theater closed its doors. Percy Sutton, the former Manhattan borough president who owns a chain of radio stations, rebuilt the Apollo in the 1980s.

But the Harlem landmark lost money, and in 1992, he turned it over to a nonprofit foundation. In 1998, escalating controversy over the theater's finances threatened the future of the theater and its popular television program, "Showtime at the Apollo." An investigation of the Apollo's finances by then-state Attorney General Dennis Vacco nearly resulted in its being closed for good until communications giant Time Warner stepped in and appointed a new board. "When Time Warner took over, I knew the theater would change," said Woods. "I'm very curious to see it." ccolemannydailynews.com MATTHEW ROBERTS Jonelle Procope, president of the Apollo Theater Foundation In front of venue's new facade, which is to be unveiled today. aoilSy om rjoriser slay the robbery attempt.

On cross-examination, prosecutor Stephen Ritchin mockingly referred to the "mystery man" and repeatedly reminded Douglas that he had been a policeman in his native Jamaica for 6V2 years and had several opportunities to escape the mystery man. After the killing, Douglas fled to Florida, where he eventually surrendered to police. man. But he claimed in court the killing was done by another man, who forced him to join in the crime by threatening to harm his girlfriend and son. The man, whom Douglas said he could not identify, also extorted tens of thousands of dollars from him, Douglas testified.

He said that when the man learned that Douglas had once been a Brinks Security Services employee, he forced him to help with BY JIM FITZGERALD THE ASSOCIATED PRESS A FORMER Jamaica policeman was convicted yesterday of killing an ATM technician in an attempt to rob the money machines at a Yonkers bank. Paul Douglas, 33, of Brooklyn, was found guilty of murder and attempted bank robbery by a federal jury in White Plains and faces up to life in prison when sentenced Jan. 31. Prose cutors did not seek the death penalty. Douglas was accused of attacking Milton Moran 29, of the Bronx at a Citibank in Yonkers when Moran arrived to service the ATMs on April 22, 2004.

Moran was found in his car trunk, bound and gagged with duct tape. An autopsy found he was beaten and suffocated. Moran's relatives applauded and shouted "Yes!" as the verdict was read. His father, Milton Moran said, "I thank God that Douglas is not going to get away with this horrendous murder I want him to get life without parole. I think he would suffer more than with the death penalty." Witnesses reported seeing a man drag Moran's body to his car and lift it into the trunk, and Douglas admitted he was that NEWS BUREAU (718) 822-1174 FAX (718) 822-1562 HOME DELIVERY 1-800-692-NEWS.