HUNTINGTON VILLAGE
Paramount Plans Approved
By Alessandra Malito/amalito@longislandernews.com

The Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals has approved plans to move forward with Paramount Theatre, a live entertainment venue planned at the site of the former IMAC.

The ZBA on Aug. 27 accepted a proposal submitted by Paramount Theatre LLC to resurrect live entertainment in Huntington village so long as several of their conditions regarding traffic and safety are agreed upon.

Paramount requested a special use permit to renovate the New York Avenue theater and use municipal parking to account for increased occupancy from 700 to 1,665 seats. Parking plans include the use of valet service to and from the upper Elm Street lot and incentives to park in Town Hall and in a lot at the train station, from which shuttle service will be provided. They also asked for permission to erect a marquee on the front of the building, where a two-story glass wall will overlook the busy road.

The ZBA’s decision, an official copy of which was not yet available as of Wednesday, restricts hours of operation and imposes a security plan. Hours of the theater would be from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. to allow for children's shows in the afternoon and access to the bar before and after the show. A security guard would be on hand at the railroad station parking lot.

“As long as we’re confident that the people who are placed on public or private lands are people who are qualified,” said ZBA Chairman Christopher Modelewski.

The zoning board also discussed transportation of equipment being restricted to the back of the theater.

“We’ll leave it to the director of transportation where the bus goes,” Modelewski added.
The news of Paramount’s approval was welcomed with both support of the fact that live entertainment will return to Huntington village and concern for its impact on parking and traffic.

“It's going to be a tremendous asset to the town,” said Councilwoman Susan Berland. “I'm looking forward to working closely with the principals of Paramount to bring their ideas to fruition.”

Some expressed concern over the parking situation in an already crowded Huntington village.

“I’m happy the theatre is coming in, but concerned with the possible negative impact for the town and merchants,” said Tom Dana, a commercial real estate agent from Dix Hills who was present at the Aug. 27 meeting. “It’s uncharted waters how to park and safely bring people in and out of a large theatre without affecting the business owners…. We desperately need this theater to happen in a way that fits the town’s size and needs.”

On the other hand, many are thrilled the town will once again have a theater, since IMAC closed last summer.

“It would have been a mistake not to allow it,” said Craig Northacker, executive director of Vets-Help.org, which has an office in the village.
Michael McCarthy, Paramount’s attorney, said his clients are pleased that the town acknowledges the need for live entertainment in the Long Island community.
“I think, as the chairman said, it’s an adaptive process,” he said.