Manhattan Borough President Criticized for Campaign to Save NYC Movie Theater

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal is facing criticism for his efforts to preserve the Kips Bay AMC 15, an IMAX cinema, amidst plans by NYU Langone Health to acquire the Second Avenue site. Hoylman-Sigal has vowed not to approve any prospective rezoning of the location without the inclusion of a movie theater, asserting that the neighborhood's future "must include a movie theater and grocery store."

The borough president's stance has drawn sharp reactions from some observers who question the prioritization of a cinema over other potential developments, such as a hospital or new housing. "Of all the public benefits you could demand and you picked … a movie theater ???" one social media user commented, echoing a sentiment that Hoylman-Sigal's focus is misplaced.

Critics suggest that Hoylman-Sigal's actions represent a cynical attempt to shake down NYU Langone and the site's landlord, while pandering to local residents resistant to development. The criticism posits that he is willing to sacrifice jobs and potential housing to maintain the status quo of the cinema.

NYU Langone Health plans to acquire the site, which currently houses the AMC theater and a Fairway supermarket. The future of these establishments has been a point of contention as development plans move forward. Hoylman-Sigal's commitment to ensuring a cinema remains at the site has become a central point of his public position on the matter.