Thank you for your explanation! Then City Council should work with the owner and urge him to sell it to another party that can pay the taxes, and one who can clean it up on a timely basis. Life is all about chances. Even though the theater is not be safe, City Council should have a greater vision, and work with their constituency. That’s the ideal of democracy.
I think the ruthless City Council is out of their mind for approving the site’s demolition without owner consent. Instead of working to rid the asbestos, CC wants the easy way out. I commend the owner on continuing to fight for his rights, and to preserve a gem.
I think the ruthless City Council is out of their mind for approving the site’s demolition without owner consent. Instead of working to rid the asbestos, CC wants the easy way out. I commend the owner on continuing to fight for his rights, and to preserve a gem.
Thank you! This is an international petition, so please spread the word to your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. I am hoping for the thousands. Let’s show the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission the extent of support this rare-surviving gem has:
Peter, I recommend encouraging as many neighbors and friends to sign and post a comment. It counts equally as a letter to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Thanks!
This could be one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the past decade, to protect our remaining theaters that are not landmarked, as well as our remaining historic infrastructure that’s endangered. It only takes a few moments to follow the directions above, so I strongly advise everyone to proceed, as well as spread the word to your family, friends, & colleagues in a mass e-mail. Thank you!
Michael Perlman
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
The Ridgewood Theatre at 55-27 Myrtle Ave, Queens, NY (Brooklyn border) is up for SALE or LEASE. My name is Michael Perlman, and I am founder of Friends of Ridgewood Theatre, and I serve on the board of directors of the Queens Preservation Council. Please consider this endangered gem by Thomas Lamb, dating back to 1916. It is located in an up & coming neighborhood with a charming small town feel. It is a representation of the long-demolished Mark Strand Theatre, which was the 1st movie palace in the world. When it shuttered in March, it held the record as the longest continuously operated first-run theater in NY & potentially throughout the U.S. Please contact me at and follow www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre for history, photos, status, & more! Thank you for your consideration!
To iRoNmonkey: You last posted on May 28th & said you would write me from your work e-mail. If you had written, I haven’t received it. If you are busy right now, that’s okay as well. Please let me know. My e-mail is
Thank you!
Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
I believe it’s a misprint. The asking price is $14 million, but owner Tony Montalbano prefers the option of leasing & keeping the theater in his possession. A decision is expected in a few weeks after receiving “overwhelming” interest, according to Massey Knakal Realty, and some contacts on my end. Please continue to follow www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre for updates & how you can help.
If a developer or entrpreneur purchases it who is both respectful and original, the “official” press release is meaningless. I pray that it goes under. Power to the people, and not the disrespectful politicians who “pretend to love our landmarks.”
The RKO Keith’s Theatre does not & should not be developed according to Boymelgreen’s ill-fated plans. Respect the history of the theater, restore and rebuild it, and build above if really necessary. C'mon potential theater owners and developers, and be original, but respect the site’s irreplaceable integrity. This is your once-in-a-lifetime shot.
We’re still taking signatures, so please sign our petition and leave a comment:
Hi Jimmie! I replied to your e-mail through my account about an hour ago. It is possible that my prior e-mails ended up in spam, so please check your folder since that might be the case. Looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks!
Thank you for informing me! I recently learned about the GAMT book project & THS' involvement. I promise to work diligently have my candidates in prior to the deadline.
Hi Jimmie, I have a theater in mind, and e-mailed your AOL account twice over the last 2 months, but haven’t heard back. Can you please e-mail me at so we can work together? – Michael
There has to be at least one party that wants it. It’s only a matter of the correct person seeing it.
Thank you for your explanation! Then City Council should work with the owner and urge him to sell it to another party that can pay the taxes, and one who can clean it up on a timely basis. Life is all about chances. Even though the theater is not be safe, City Council should have a greater vision, and work with their constituency. That’s the ideal of democracy.
I think the ruthless City Council is out of their mind for approving the site’s demolition without owner consent. Instead of working to rid the asbestos, CC wants the easy way out. I commend the owner on continuing to fight for his rights, and to preserve a gem.
I think the ruthless City Council is out of their mind for approving the site’s demolition without owner consent. Instead of working to rid the asbestos, CC wants the easy way out. I commend the owner on continuing to fight for his rights, and to preserve a gem.
Thank you! This is an international petition, so please spread the word to your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc. I am hoping for the thousands. Let’s show the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission the extent of support this rare-surviving gem has:
View link
YOU can make a difference!
Peter, I recommend encouraging as many neighbors and friends to sign and post a comment. It counts equally as a letter to the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Thanks!
Thank you very much for your great tips and for signing the online petition. Let’s keep the signatures coming! This is an international petition:
View link
Also, thank you very much “Lost Memory!”
Hi Peter! Thank you for your kind words in regard to my efforts.
To Cinema Treasures fans:
This is a convenient link for those who wish to sign an online petition to landmark the facade and theater lobby. Please post a comment as well.
View link
Your help is invaluable. Thank you!
Jimmie, e-mail me at & I will put you in touch with the real estate agent for the Ridgewood Theatre.
This could be one of the most significant pieces of legislation in the past decade, to protect our remaining theaters that are not landmarked, as well as our remaining historic infrastructure that’s endangered. It only takes a few moments to follow the directions above, so I strongly advise everyone to proceed, as well as spread the word to your family, friends, & colleagues in a mass e-mail. Thank you!
Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chair
If a party is really dedicated to the cause, they can rebuild what was lost. Nothing is impossible.
The Ridgewood Theatre at 55-27 Myrtle Ave, Queens, NY (Brooklyn border) is up for SALE or LEASE. My name is Michael Perlman, and I am founder of Friends of Ridgewood Theatre, and I serve on the board of directors of the Queens Preservation Council. Please consider this endangered gem by Thomas Lamb, dating back to 1916. It is located in an up & coming neighborhood with a charming small town feel. It is a representation of the long-demolished Mark Strand Theatre, which was the 1st movie palace in the world. When it shuttered in March, it held the record as the longest continuously operated first-run theater in NY & potentially throughout the U.S. Please contact me at and follow www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre for history, photos, status, & more! Thank you for your consideration!
Thanks for sharing your experience! I am looking forward to seeing your photos. As I always say, there’s hope for a better tomorrow!
To iRoNmonkey: You last posted on May 28th & said you would write me from your work e-mail. If you had written, I haven’t received it. If you are busy right now, that’s okay as well. Please let me know. My e-mail is
Thank you!
I believe it’s a misprint. The asking price is $14 million, but owner Tony Montalbano prefers the option of leasing & keeping the theater in his possession. A decision is expected in a few weeks after receiving “overwhelming” interest, according to Massey Knakal Realty, and some contacts on my end. Please continue to follow www.myspace.com/ridgewoodtheatre for updates & how you can help.
Jimmie, please check your e-mail once again.
I second your comments a million times over. It’s nothing more than an anti-green faux recycled press release.
Now that I think of it, that is not an official press release. Massey Knakal is not registered with the NYC government.
If a developer or entrpreneur purchases it who is both respectful and original, the “official” press release is meaningless. I pray that it goes under. Power to the people, and not the disrespectful politicians who “pretend to love our landmarks.”
The RKO Keith’s Theatre does not & should not be developed according to Boymelgreen’s ill-fated plans. Respect the history of the theater, restore and rebuild it, and build above if really necessary. C'mon potential theater owners and developers, and be original, but respect the site’s irreplaceable integrity. This is your once-in-a-lifetime shot.
We’re still taking signatures, so please sign our petition and leave a comment:
View link
Hi Jimmie! I replied to your e-mail through my account about an hour ago. It is possible that my prior e-mails ended up in spam, so please check your folder since that might be the case. Looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks!
Thank you for informing me! I recently learned about the GAMT book project & THS' involvement. I promise to work diligently have my candidates in prior to the deadline.
Thank you, LongIslandmovies. I will get right to it!
Hi Jimmie, I have a theater in mind, and e-mailed your AOL account twice over the last 2 months, but haven’t heard back. Can you please e-mail me at so we can work together? – Michael