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Brooklyn Heights Cinema owner Kenn Lowy is still looking for a new space for the theater since the building at 70 Henry Street was sold and it shut down in August, he told Brooklyn Brief. “I need a big location, with good foot traffic, but with a landlord who isn’t only seeing dollar signs, but has an interest in providing the community with a venue for culture. I’m doing everything I can to keep going.”

Lowy bought the theater for sentimental reasons: He grew up watching films there. In the wide-ranging interview, he also said the influential Brooklyn Heights Association had played a large role in the theater’s closing, by opposing proposals to redevelop the property:

The sad thing is that these two plans for buildings were really nice, contextual with the neighborhood, and would have allowed a cinema to stay at the location. But the Brooklyn Heights Association (BHA) had a lot to do with the plans never being voted upon, which was akin to them being turned down. They felt the building had historical significance, and they fought tooth and nail against any changes. The local Community Board supported us, and some of the local politicians supported us, but others didn’t, not wanting to go against the BHA. The BHA represents a very small contingent of Brooklyn Heights residents, but has a very strong sway.

The interview, which also ran in the Brooklyn Eagle, is definitely worth a read.

Anyone know a suitable venue?

In Conversation: Kenn Lowy on the Brooklyn Heights Cinema, and Future Plans [BK Brief]
Brooklyn Heights Cinema Coverage [Brownstoner]
Photo by Brooklyn Heights Cinema/Facebook


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