Home / Arts and Entertainment / Community Rallies to Save Beloved AMC
Community Rallies to Save Beloved AMC
20 Sep
Summary
- Beloved Kips Bay AMC faces closure by year's end.
- NYU Langone purchased the multiplex site over a year ago.
- Community members and local officials protest the closure.
A significant cultural landmark, the AMC Kips Bay 15, is scheduled to close by the end of this year, sparking widespread community outcry. Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal joined over 100 New Yorkers in a rally protesting the impending closure. This beloved multiplex, a fixture for generations, has been a gathering place for the community. Concerns are high among residents and local business owners about the loss of this vital shared space.
The site of the AMC Kips Bay, the second-largest AMC in Manhattan, was purchased by NYU Langone more than a year ago. However, several city officials expressed surprise at learning about the transaction only after it was finalized. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez highlighted the need for proactive community engagement from institutions like NYU. Local political clubs and businesses have voiced their opposition, advocating for the preservation of community spaces.
The protest, organized by the Eleanor Roosevelt Independent Democrats, also garnered support from local establishments like Paddy Reilly's Music Bar. The movement to save the theater reflects a broader concern about diminishing community spaces and the impact of large-scale acquisitions on neighborhood character. This situation mirrors broader industry trends, such as the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, which some fear could limit creative opportunities.
