Traffic, Safety Concerns Dominate Paramount Theater Work Session

The Huntington Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) adopted an Environmental Assessment Plan, which pertains to traffic, safety and security conditions surrounding the new Paramount Theater at a work session on Friday.

Along with parking and traffic issues, hours of operation for the new fine arts venue, which will be housed on New York Avenue in the former IMAC, was another major concern of the board.

BZA Chair Christopher Modelewski explained that it is important to make sure the public's peace is preserved.

"I want to allow a seven day a week venue with operating hours from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., which means doors prompting close at 1 a.m. and concerts stopping at 11 p.m.," Modelewski said. "A traffic management plan consisting of sufficient parking spaces and security guards, which will be subject to input from the Town's Director of Public Safety is what we want to adopt. We want the theater to operate in a reasonable way without offending anyone."

BZA member Carol Gaughran said that the Town's Director of Transportation and Traffic Safety, Stephen McGloin, should be consulted before any decisions are made.

"Residents will not use railroad parking if they feel unsafe and this is why we need security personnel in place," Gaughran said. "People that attend these concerts have to realize that the shuttle bus stops at 2 a.m."

An application was submitted to the board requesting 1,665-seat plan with standing room or a 1,200-seat plan without standing room, which will need to be assessed by a fire marshal before moving forward.

"Traffic and safety are our biggest concerns, which are joint obligations of the Town and the applicant," Modelewski said. "The board approves a special permit today to redevelop the Paramount Theater with all conditions of traffic and safety that were discussed at this meeting. A written decision will be issued shortly and can be obtained by calling the BZA office."