2017 Republican Candidate for Borough Council Denis Schreiber met with Greg Supron, head of the Mayo Performing Arts Center’s Real Estate and Development Committee to discuss options for the now closed movie theatre on Lincoln Place, most recently operated by Bowtie Cinemas.
The meeting occurred thanks to several lengthy discussions by Madison Republican Committee representatives with Bud Mayo, who at one time operated the Lyons Theatre as one of his more than 120 movie theaters in the region. Mr. Mayo had his offices in Madison on Waverly Place at the time, and is very familiar with Madison.
He referred the MRC to Mr. Supron to discuss new ideas for the theatre.
The Republicans are examining options in response to community outcry over the the cinema’s closing back in May. Many noted that the downtown movie theatre was a reason they moved to Madison, and wished it to stay. Some have commented that the currently seated council, in not anticipating the outcry over the closing, has shown a lack of responsiveness to community needs.
“There are two possible scenarios,” Denis Schreiber, a former banker said. “Either the investment group who purchased it might not be able to realize its plans due to Zoning, Planning and Historic District considerations and it reverts back to the real estate market. A not-for-profit could convert it into a multi-use arts facility. Alternatively, the owners can develop the property and encapsulate a luxurious movie theatre for perhaps 100 seats.
Either way, it would be necessary to have an operator with some clout to book films, clean, maintain, and insure the operation” Schreiber added.
Mr. Mayo, who transformed the Morristown Theatre into a significant New Jersey center for film, stage, and music thinks Madison’s Theatre could work as a “boutique” arts center for all the arts and maybe young film makers.
Mr. Supron toured the outside of the building, expressed his admiration over the façade and the location directly across from our historic and recently revitalized train station.
If you are looking for a stronger voice for the community on Borough Council, vote for the team of Ron Hendrickson and Denis Schreiber on November 7th. Let’s bring balance back to Borough Council!