After the Inter-Media Arts Center (IMAC) closed its doors in June 2009 due to exponentially raising costs, declining support and a building that didn't meet the organization's standards, Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said the town would explore the possibilities of bringing back a state-of-the-art performing arts center to Huntington.

Well, this possibility may become a reality.

A.J. Carter, public information officer for Town of Huntington, has confirmed that the Paramount Theatre, LLC, signed a lease with Huntington Theater building owner Frank Vitteritti on April 21. This could bring a new performing arts theater to Huntington at the location previously occupied by the IMAC.

A proposal to make alterations to the theater has been submitted and will be on the agenda of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) public hearing on July 29 at Town Hall. A request made for an increase in occupancy from 700 seats to 1,665 was already denied.

"We confirm that a July 29 hearing is scheduled before the Zoning Board of Appeals on the application by Paramount Theater, LLC, for a special use permit involving the building that housed the IMAC," Carter said. "The Town withholds comment on the application pending the outcome of that hearing."

According to documents in the Town's Planning Board/Zoning office, the plan submitted contemplates a recapture of current retail space and the addition of interior space for a total proposed auditorium area of 26,559-square feet. The existing auditorium and stage area utilized by the IMAC was 13,329-square feet. Seating capacity has yet to be determined but would be greater than the 700-seat IMAC.  The fully renovated theater would also be handicap accessible.

The plan also shows a renovated lobby area with a concession and bar area. The auditorium stage area would also feature floor area, balcony seating, and two additional concession/bar areas. Except for renovations to the existing facade and the proposed addition of a marquee, no site changes are contemplated by the renovations to be performed by Paramount.

Despite repeated attempts to contact Paramount Theater's attorney Michael McCarthy, no calls were returned as of press time.

A world-class town like Huntington needs a world-class theater. Could this be what we have been waiting for?