Port Washington will be a two-cineplex town once again, ideally by April 26.
That’s when Soundview Cinemas, a company owned by Jordan and Dara Desner of Plainview, plan to open the theater's doors and start showing films.
Located in the Soundview Marketplace, the theater has sat dormant since September 2010.
The Desners had hoped to open the theater in May 2012, but because the shopping center is in foreclosure, the approval process grew complicated, at times downright grueling, Jordan Desner said. But a terms settlement was reached, Desner noted, adding that he signed a new lease Tuesday.
Now, Desner will be seeing to it that seats, flooring, speakers, digital projectors, equipment, new concession stands and more are installed.
"We have five weeks to get open," he said.
The only variable now, Desner noted, is when the seats – leather rockers from China – arrive. But, he says, he is “under contract” to have the digital projectors showing movies by April 30. That’s why he is aiming for that April 26 date – the last Friday of the month.
"We're just excited to open the theater for Port Washington residents and give them a great theater they can be proud of – everything is brand new," Desner said.
The Desners say they have a lot of people to thank for their support, including Port Washington North Mayor Bob Weitzner, Nassau County Leg. Wayne Wink, and their attorney, Howard Fensterman.
The theater will have six screens, all of them fully digital, and have matinees starting at noon every day, with prices beginning at $9.
The theater is also hiring about 12 people to run the concession stand, usher, and sell tickets.
Learn more about the theater by calling 944-3900, or visit the theater's website at soundviewcinemas.com, and check for updates.
