Our Letter to Milstein Properties Requesting the Preservation of Arts at Lincoln Plaza

Re: Lincoln Plaza Cinema, 1886 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Dear Mr. Milstein,

We write as elected representatives of the Upper West Side of Manhattan. As you know, there is considerable interest from the surrounding community that the Lincoln Plaza Cinema be allowed to continue its lease at 1886 Broadway as an independent film theatre.  We appreciate your recognition of Lincoln Plaza Cinema as a special theatre with cultural significance and your commitment that the space will remain a theatre in the future.

It is our understanding that structural work must take place in the plaza which will impact the theatre space and that those renovations will start at the end of the current lease in January 2018. We request a meeting early in 2018 to discuss the timeline for these renovations and the plans for the space once renovations are complete. 

It is vitally important to the community of the Upper West Side, but also to the history of film culture in New York City, that we find a way to continue and nurture independent art houses. Lincoln Plaza Cinema is an icon within the independent film world and an important piece of UWS history and culture.  We look forward to meeting with you and working to keep this location a theatre that respects the history and significance of independent film in our city.

You may reach out to Marisa Maack, Chief of Staff to Council Member Helen Rosenthal, at mmaack@council.nyc.gov or 212 873-0282 x203 to coordinate a meeting.

We look forward to hearing from you.