Southbury Movie Theater: We Asked, You Answered

When we asked Southbury residents if they wanted a movie theater in town, the responses started coming in through Facebook, the site itself and Twitter too.

We tallied up the responses and here's what you had to say, from the yays to the nays to what people would like more than a movie theater.

I love the idea!

Ten commenters are on board with the movie theater proposal.

"I am all for it. I think it would be a great addition to the town. The main show times would be weekend afternoons and evenings, which is typically not a busy time for traffic through town. Frankly, I would rather spend my money here than drive to Danbury for a dinner and movie." — Brian Archibald via Southbury Patch's Facebook page

I don't like the idea

Thirteen people commented and said they were not fans of flicks in town.

"No thank you, I didn't move here for the convenience of a movie theater.. I like the peaceful "country" feel and actually like driving out of town for entertainment or anything I can't get locally. I think we have everything we need already." — Christopher Medeiros via Facebook

How about a rec center?

We started seeing a repeating comment, that there's not enough things for younger residents to do around town.

"Yes, teens come and go but guess what, they come again too. If we had a proper place for the kids to hang out, there might be so many suicide issues, drug issues and more. And at the very least, the kids would have a safe haven." – Joan Kloth-Zanard

But would anyone go to a rec center? 

"I grew up in Norwalk. We had a Y, movie theatres, the beach, stores, parks and rec, strong school music programs, many church groups, and other activities. Guess what? Kids still said there was nothing to do...  I like the small town feel of Southbury. There is plenty to do with kids nearby if you avail yourself." – Angela Tosti Flynn

What about a smaller theater?

Fourteen people were in favor of a movie theater in Southbury, but on a smaller scale than eight to 10 screens.

"... A smaller theater would make more sense. Something akin to what Newtown has. Perhaps it could include a stage too." – Chris Thompson via Twitter

"I've lived in Southbury most of my life and have always wanted a movie theater here. However, an 8-10 screen theater is much too large for the location. And I don't think it can be supported by the population with Wtby [Waterbury] and Dnby [Danbury] having their own. I would much prefer seeing something smaller similar to Bethel." – Debbie Brackett Gracy via Facebook

The project people respond

On the Southbury Patch Facebook page, the Holiday Cinemas Southbury Project commented with: "One misconception about this project is the size of the Theater proposed. Under zoning, this site is permitted to have 2 theater spaces that could provide a total of over 1300 seats (650 seats or more each). What we will do is split that same total capacity into 8-10 smaller theaters - the result is the same size building and footprint as 2-screens.  So a comparison to such complexes like Waterbury (3190 seats) and Danbury (3700) is absolutely inaccurate. Having multiple theater spaces varying in sizes, will allow us to show a variety films, including mainstream and independent movies and to allow spaces to be used for lectures, opera simulcasts and local productions. The multiple screen set up would also have staggered show times, and peak business would mostly come in the evening when traffic is the least. There is a more complete description of the project on our page, feel free to check it out. Also we will do our best to answer any questions or comments you may have on the project. Thanks!"

Traffic concerns

Fifteen people talked about increased traffic in town, if a movie theater were built.

"I think this is a terrible idea. A movie theater this size will generate a steady stream of traffic from 1:00PM midnight daily. Ever pull out of the post office on a Saturday morning? Build this and expect that wait to triple, at every intersection in the area. The developers build their projects, but they don't expand the roads - we, the taxpayers will be stuck with that. This will change the entire complexion of this part of town." - smoskow282

Have you had a chance to weigh in yet? What do you think about the proposal?