Teaneck Movie Theater Project Advances

The township's Planning Board recently approved a digital marquee at Teaneck's only movie theater, but the cinema's reopening could face a delay over missing paperwork, the theater's new operator said.

Matthew Latten, who signed a lease for the shuttered Cedar Lane Cinemas in April, said existing plans for the space were missing, causing a slight delay in the start of renovations at the theater.

"Yesterday is where I wanted to be three weeks ago," he said Thursday, explaining that crews had to draw up new plans. "We're getting close."

The new Teaneck Cinemas is set to undergo extensive renovations, but much of the construction hasn't started yet, he added.

"I know I was really hoping for a July 1 opening, but we might push back about a month at this point," Latten said. "I would like to see August or before."

The delays were not expected to cause any significant impact on the theater, he said.

The new electronic full color marquee will make the theater stand out on Cedar Lane and help modernize the facility, he said.

"In a modern and elegant way, it will show what we're playing," he said.

New signs were among a host of planned upgrades Latten has in store for the decades-old movie house. Other upgrades include digital projectors, a new sound system, seating and renovations to the lobby.

The theater will feature first-run movies and focus on family friendly titles, he said. Based on community suggestions, Latten also plans to screen art films.

Latten said he also plans to add handicapped accessible bathrooms and convert an adjacent office to a room for parties.

The former Cedar Lane Cinemas closed late last year after its former operator, Majestic-Star Entertainment, said it couldn't afford the cost of converting to a digital projection system.

Related News:

• Teaneck's Cedar Lane Cinemas to Reopen
• Landlord Hopes to Keep Theater on Cedar Lane
• Teaneck’s Lone Movie Theater Closes

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