Save the AMC Kips Bay 15 Theater from closure
The Issue
As a native New Yorker, I've always found solace and inspiration at the AMC Kips Bay 15 Theater. Its iconic entrance, the aroma of freshly popped popcorn, the life size cut outs of beloved characters, the history of cinema strewn on the walls, and the hushed anticipation before the lights dim create an irreplaceable atmosphere that has been a part of our community for decades. Recently, I was devastated to hear that it will close by the end of the year.
AMC Kips Bay 15 is more than just a movie theater—it's a cultural hub that has brought friends, families, and neighbors together for decades. From blockbuster premieres to indie film festivals and special screenings, this venue provides a diverse array of cinematic experiences that accommodate all tastes. Its closure would represent not just the loss of a cineplex but the erasure of a vital community space where priceless memories are forged. It is the sole theater of our neighborhood.
The theater’s economic contributions to the Kips Bay area also cannot be understated. Local businesses thrive due to the foot traffic generated by moviegoers. Restaurants, cafes, and shops have built their customer base around theater patrons, and a closure would lead to a significant economic downturn, affecting employees and small business owners alike. According to studies by the National Association of Theatre Owners, local theaters substantially contribute to local economies, generating jobs and fostering economic growth. And with 15 screens and 3,000 seats the theater is AMC's second-largest in Manhattan.
While financial challenges and competition from digital streaming services may pose threats to theaters, they are not reason for this shut down. Instead it is because the property owner, Kips Bay Development Limited Partnership(affiliated with JD Carlisle Development Corp. and MD Carlisle Construction Corp), is exercising a contractual right to terminate the theater's lease early. The length of the original lease and the reason for its termination are not yet public information. But it has been theorized for quite some time that NYU wants to buy and repurpose the real estate. This lease termination is likely a sign that a development deal was finally negotiated. This lease termination and purchase may seem like a decision that is potentially out of our hands, but as a community we can demand at the very least transparency. And with enough support we may even have a say in the decision.
We are not against hospitals, their expansion or any necessary steps required for the advancement of medicine and patient care which will benefit New Yorkers. But NYU owns 14,030,662 square feet of NYC real estate (a significant portion of this is for the non medical collegiate facilities and dorms). This purchase would follow a trend of NYU Langone to expand its already massive main campus which spans from East 30th to East 34th streets, and from First Avenue to FDR Drive covering 2,500,000+ square feet. The best case scenario is that the real estate is for the hospital instead of the university. But the questions still remains why does the hospital need the land? And why this land?
There may be many completely valid reason for this redevelopment. If that is the case let this petition just be a display of the impact that this theater left on this community. If the land is not being used in a way that is beneficial for our community, we would like our theater back.
Saving the AMC Kips Bay 15 is not an insurmountable task. It's clear that by uniting our community in support of a common cause, we can make a powerful impact. We are calling on Kips Bay Development Limited Partnership to reconsider the plans to shut down this cherished venue, to explore alternative solutions that keep its doors open and to be transparent with the community about its intentions. It is crucial that the voices of the community members who cherish this cinema be heard. Let us rally together to preserve a piece of New York City’s vibrant cultural fabric.
Please sign this petition to urge AMC, Kips Bay Development Limited Partnership, NYU and relevant stakeholders to work towards saving AMC Kips Bay 15 Theater from closure and ensure that it remains a beacon of community bonding and cultural enrichment.
Sources:
https://jennahgosciak.medium.com/new-york-citys-biggest-landowner-69fac98794fe
https://www.globest.com/2023/09/07/nyu-acquires-east-side-luxury-residential-tower-for-210m/
222
The Issue
As a native New Yorker, I've always found solace and inspiration at the AMC Kips Bay 15 Theater. Its iconic entrance, the aroma of freshly popped popcorn, the life size cut outs of beloved characters, the history of cinema strewn on the walls, and the hushed anticipation before the lights dim create an irreplaceable atmosphere that has been a part of our community for decades. Recently, I was devastated to hear that it will close by the end of the year.
AMC Kips Bay 15 is more than just a movie theater—it's a cultural hub that has brought friends, families, and neighbors together for decades. From blockbuster premieres to indie film festivals and special screenings, this venue provides a diverse array of cinematic experiences that accommodate all tastes. Its closure would represent not just the loss of a cineplex but the erasure of a vital community space where priceless memories are forged. It is the sole theater of our neighborhood.
The theater’s economic contributions to the Kips Bay area also cannot be understated. Local businesses thrive due to the foot traffic generated by moviegoers. Restaurants, cafes, and shops have built their customer base around theater patrons, and a closure would lead to a significant economic downturn, affecting employees and small business owners alike. According to studies by the National Association of Theatre Owners, local theaters substantially contribute to local economies, generating jobs and fostering economic growth. And with 15 screens and 3,000 seats the theater is AMC's second-largest in Manhattan.
While financial challenges and competition from digital streaming services may pose threats to theaters, they are not reason for this shut down. Instead it is because the property owner, Kips Bay Development Limited Partnership(affiliated with JD Carlisle Development Corp. and MD Carlisle Construction Corp), is exercising a contractual right to terminate the theater's lease early. The length of the original lease and the reason for its termination are not yet public information. But it has been theorized for quite some time that NYU wants to buy and repurpose the real estate. This lease termination is likely a sign that a development deal was finally negotiated. This lease termination and purchase may seem like a decision that is potentially out of our hands, but as a community we can demand at the very least transparency. And with enough support we may even have a say in the decision.
We are not against hospitals, their expansion or any necessary steps required for the advancement of medicine and patient care which will benefit New Yorkers. But NYU owns 14,030,662 square feet of NYC real estate (a significant portion of this is for the non medical collegiate facilities and dorms). This purchase would follow a trend of NYU Langone to expand its already massive main campus which spans from East 30th to East 34th streets, and from First Avenue to FDR Drive covering 2,500,000+ square feet. The best case scenario is that the real estate is for the hospital instead of the university. But the questions still remains why does the hospital need the land? And why this land?
There may be many completely valid reason for this redevelopment. If that is the case let this petition just be a display of the impact that this theater left on this community. If the land is not being used in a way that is beneficial for our community, we would like our theater back.
Saving the AMC Kips Bay 15 is not an insurmountable task. It's clear that by uniting our community in support of a common cause, we can make a powerful impact. We are calling on Kips Bay Development Limited Partnership to reconsider the plans to shut down this cherished venue, to explore alternative solutions that keep its doors open and to be transparent with the community about its intentions. It is crucial that the voices of the community members who cherish this cinema be heard. Let us rally together to preserve a piece of New York City’s vibrant cultural fabric.
Please sign this petition to urge AMC, Kips Bay Development Limited Partnership, NYU and relevant stakeholders to work towards saving AMC Kips Bay 15 Theater from closure and ensure that it remains a beacon of community bonding and cultural enrichment.
Sources:
https://jennahgosciak.medium.com/new-york-citys-biggest-landowner-69fac98794fe
https://www.globest.com/2023/09/07/nyu-acquires-east-side-luxury-residential-tower-for-210m/
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on August 24, 2026