By Sarah Moskowitz
"I don't know if they're going to go through with [construction]," said Lynbrook Mayor Eugene Scarpato. "They keep saying they are."
According to Scarpato, Regal had indicated that representatives from their company would meet on Aug. 23 to discuss the fate of the theater. Regal has yet to notified the village of any redevelopment plans they have.
A variance from the village to permit construction for Regal would be required only if Regal makes architectural changes, but not if the exterior remains the same and only the inside is changed. Since the property belongs to Regal, it is up to them to decide how they want to develop the property, barring any necessary approval of the village board, according to Lynbrook Building Superintendent Lou Bello.
"We would like to see that improvements be made to complete the economic development downtown," said Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce President Bill Gaylor. Gaylor added a redesigned theater could offer better seating and a modernized exterior, while also attracting a larger crowd, boosting downtown nightlife.
"The Chamber of Commerce has always been in favor of it," said Scarpato, because it would bring business into the stores and community. Also, he added, "The [village] board is in favor of it."
Some villagers living nearby the Five Corner's intersection where the theater resides at 321 Merrick Road have not warmed up to the idea however.
"I wouldn't want [expansion of the theater] to happen," said a resident who lives on Blake Avenue, a street directly behind the movie theater, who only wanted to be identified as Veronica. "It'll probably attract a bad, rowdy crowd. I don't think it's a good idea for this neighborhood."
Regal Cinemas bought out United Artist theaters earlier this year after United Artists declared bankruptcy. All plans Lynbrook had with the former chain were scrapped as a result of the sale. According to Scarpato, initial United Artist proposals included a 12-theater multiplex. To complement the extra theaters, United Artists had also suggested adding extra parking on the roof of the building by constructing a garage.
"We have no idea what [Regal is] looking to do," Scarpato said.
In addition to owning the six-screen movie house, Regal also owns the stores above and adjacent to the theater. When questioned about their possible plans, Marketing Director for Regal Entertainment Group Russ Nunley had little to say.
"We don't disclose any of that information," he said.
Lynbrook movie theater employees knew of no construction plans for the building. Several said though they would be in favor of rebuilding and renovations.
"I think it's great," said Joshua Sweezer, who commutes to work from Laurelton. "You get more business. The building needs to be done over anyway."
Manager Jackie Tetra agreed.
"It's good," she said. "The theater's crappy."
If the theater was to expand, more screens means more movie patrons, which brings more cars and more parking problems. Parking space is currently available next to Focaccia Grill, although the lot is often insufficient for weekend moviegoers, which then to pour into the lot at Astoria Federal Savings across the street and into a municipal parking lot down the block off of Atlantic Avenue. According to Scarpato, the village board is currently studying parking matters in that area.
"It's a very hot issue right now," he said.
Cindy J. Roth contributed to this article.
