Kips Bay AMC Theater’s Future in Jeopardy

The situation surrounding the Kips Bay AMC theater is heating up.

NYU Langone remains steadfast in its plans to acquire the site, intending to expand its medical facilities, despite pushback from Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who is firmly against the move.

In a statement to The Post, NYU Langone argued that the AMC was already contemplating closure long before they expressed interest in the property.

Additionally, they asserted that the owners of the Second Avenue location had initially approached the medical institution with the idea of a sale.

“As we stated, the property owner reached out to us regarding a potential sale, and we saw this as an opportunity to address ongoing healthcare needs in the community,” said Steve Ritea from NYU Langone Health.

“AMC had shown interest in leaving years prior to our involvement,” Ritea continued. “They came to an agreement with the landlord to lower AMC’s rent significantly in exchange for a termination clause allowing either party to exit the lease whenever needed, reflecting the desires of both the landlord and AMC.”

AMC has not commented on the situation, and the property owner has also opted not to respond to inquiries from The Post.

NYU Langone is under contract for the site, and while the transaction isn’t expected to finalize until early next year, both parties are legally bound to follow through with the deal.

However, the potential acquisition hasn’t deterred local officials and community members from attempting to save the historic movie theater. Earlier this week, Hoylman-Sigal vowed to resist any attempts to rezone the area unless plans included a cinema.

He pointed out that the property falls under outdated zoning rules from 1961, the same year “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” hit theaters, which he believes no longer meets the current community needs.

“Updating the zoning for this site could allow for a denser mixed-use development that includes not just medical offices, but affordable housing, a grocery store, and a movie theater,” Hoylman-Sigal stated.

“If NYU Langone seeks any rezoning at 570 Second Avenue, I will advocate for the inclusion of both a cinema and an affordable grocery store as conditions for my support in any land use application,” he added.

“Kips Bay residents should have a voice in the future of their neighborhood. It’s crucial that a movie theater and grocery store be part of that future.”

Other local politicians have expressed the need for open communication from NYU Langone regarding the deal, following claims that the sale process was somewhat shrouded in secrecy.

Moreover, thousands of residents have signed a petition aimed at preserving the theater, with advocates arguing that the area does not require another “institutional medical space.”

While Manhattan has numerous other movie theaters, including two AMCs within a mile, moviegoers assert that Kips Bay is the only venue offering IMAX screenings.

The site has been showing films since 1962, when the Kips Bay Theater first opened its doors, according to local sources.