Kips Bay neighbors made their voices heard at a Community Board 6 meeting on Wednesday night over the potential closing of the AMC movie theater there.
Everyone who spoke at the meeting said this will change the dynamic of the neighborhood and will impact surrounding businesses and restaurants.
NYU Langone is finalizing the purchase of the building on 2nd Avenue, which houses the movie theater.
NYU Langone told NY1 that they are interested in the property in order to expand healthcare access for the community but are willing to talk with local stakeholders about options.
Assembly Member Keith Powers said he has never seen a bigger reaction to any local issue.
“We know they’re going to have a bigger footprint as time goes on. What we don’t want to lose is a neighborhood supermarket or a beloved theater or businesses that we can’t get back,” Powers said, adding that he spoke to NYU Langone on Wednesday. “So, we’re asking for cooperation. We’re not looking to be antagonistic, but we think that there’s a need for the existing businesses that are there while they grow their footprint, and we think there’s a way to work together.”
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal also spoke at the meeting and said they have leverage.
“If it turns out that they are the purchaser, as we assume they are, they would likely have to pursue a rezoning of the site to make it suitable for a medical facility. And I promise you that I’m going to be working with Council Member [Virginia] Maloney to consider steps up to and including steps that we need to ensure that a movie theater is part of any land use action.”
A spokesperson for AMC said the Kips Bay location will continue operating until the end of the year.
Another source of concern for the community was the Fairway Market that is part of this complex, but the community board confirms the store holds a long-term lease and plans to be around for years to come.
As for the AMC theater, a petition to keep it open has more than 9,000 signatures.