A Q&A about the upcoming cinemas in Lynbrook

Due to a reporting error, in the story “Future attraction: Regal Cinemas 13,” it was erroneously stated the new movie theater in Lynbrook would increase its seating by 700 seats, when, at the time, it should have read 70 seats.

Since that story, the village reports that, based on revised drawings submitted by Regal, there will actually be a reduction in the number of seats — from the current 1,605 to 1,434 — 171 fewer seats. This was done to meet distance requirements from the power lines on the north side of Merrick Road, according to the Village.

Construction of Lynbrook’s long-awaited new movie theater will begin as soon as the project gets approval from the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, and the work will keep the local cinema closed for more than a year, according to officials with the project’s contracting firm. The IDA will review the project’s impact on businesses in the area and approve any county tax exemptions. A decision to proceed with the work is expected soon. If approved, it would begin within three months, starting with the demolition of the existing theater.

Regal hired Blumenfeld Development Group for the planning and construction of the 77-foot tall building, which will feature new leather recliners and significantly enhanced lobby and concession areas.

To clarify the plans, and to address residents’ concerns and questions, Mayor Bill Hendrick and other village officials have agreed to address their concerns. The questions were culled from a combination of social media sites and conversations with residents, and the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald Facebook page.


Q: The artist rendering looks huge! Will the new building be bigger in size, or just taller? How many parking spaces? Will there still be 13 screens with the 1,434 seats?

A: The building will have 171 less seats and be 4 feet taller, plus a 5-foot parapet wall in the front. No additional parking will be provided, as the theater will accommodate fewer patrons. The 13 screens and 1,434 are far less than the 18 screens and 3,000 seats Regal originally wanted. The existing theater has 1,605 seats.