NYU Langone Defends Kips Bay AMC Takeover Amid Political Opposition

NYU Langone Health is pushing forward with its plan to acquire the Kips Bay AMC site for expansion, directly challenging Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal's vow to block the development. The healthcare giant contends that the cinema was already considering closing before NYU Langone expressed interest in the property.

According to NYU Langone, the owners of the Second Avenue property initiated discussions about a potential sale to the medical university. "As we have said, the owner of the Second Avenue property originally approached us regarding a potential sale, and we recognized that the site’s proximity to our hospital could help support these long-term community healthcare needs," stated Steve Ritea of NYU Langone Health.

Ritea further claimed that AMC had expressed a desire to leave the location years prior to NYU Langone's involvement. "Years before our involvement, AMC expressed interest in leaving," Ritea said. "They worked with the landlord to reach an agreement that substantially reduced AMC’s rent in exchange for a mutual right for either party to terminate at any time, reflecting the flexibility that both the landlord and AMC wanted going forward."

AMC has not commented on the situation, and representatives for the property landlord declined to respond to inquiries.

The contract for NYU Langone's purchase of the site is expected to finalize early next year, with both parties contractually obligated to complete the transaction.

Despite the impending deal and AMC's reported interest in vacating, local officials and community members are actively trying to preserve the cinema. Hoylman-Sigal recently pledged to oppose any rezoning of the site if future plans do not incorporate a "cinema."

Hoylman-Sigal highlighted that the property is subject to a 1961 zoning designation, which he believes is outdated and does not align with the neighborhood's current needs. He proposed that updating the zoning could allow for a mixed-use development that includes medical offices, affordable housing, a grocery store, and a movie theater.

"In the event of any rezoning changes sought by NYU Langone Health at 570 Second Avenue, I will fight for a new cinema and affordable grocery store by predicating my approval of a land use application on the inclusion of these two important neighborhood institutions," Hoylman-Sigal stated. "The residents of Kips Bay deserve a say in the future of their neighborhood, and it’s essential that a movie theater and supermarket be part of it."

Other politicians have called for NYU Langone to engage in open dialogue with the community regarding the sale, citing concerns about a lack of transparency. A petition to save the theater has garnered thousands of signatures, with organizers asserting that the area does not require additional "institutional medical space."

While Manhattan has several other movie theaters, including two AMC locations within a mile, proponents argue that the Kips Bay venue is unique in its offering of IMAX. The site at 570 Second Avenue has operated as a cinema since 1962, when the Kips Bay Theater first opened its doors.