Since the suject of a new movie theater is a hot topic here from time to time, I thought some might find this interesting...


Why a New Movie Theater? : The Lexington Park Leader (http://lexleader.net/movie-theater/)


Movie attendance has been falling since television made the scene in 1948. Edward Jay Epstein, writes in “The Hollywood Economist (http://mhpbooks.com/books/the-hollywood-economist/),” that 67 percent of Americans went to the movies at least once a week in 1948. Today it’s less than 10 percent and the core of that mostly people under 21. That doesn’t seem to be the case in Lexington Park, Maryland. For two decades the hue and cry has wailed for a “nice” movie theater, rife with rumor that the county commissioners won’t let a new movie theater in because one of them owns the current one.
Fact: No county commissioner in the past 30 years has owned a movie theater or blocked one from coming. I have known every last one of them. For the bulk of those 30 years I wrote about financial disclosure forms, how they spent taxpayers’ money and what kind of land deals were in the works. For the last six years I’ve been married to one.

Since the suject of a new movie theater is a hot topic here from time to time, I thought some might find this interesting...


Why a New Movie Theater? : The Lexington Park Leader (http://lexleader.net/movie-theater/)

A new movie theather in the tri-county; never mind one here in St. Mary's; will wind up like the one in L.P.. It's a waste of time and money. JMHO

A new movie theather in the tri-county; never mind one here in St. Mary's; will wind up like the one in L.P.. It's a waste of time and money. JMHO

You still have Kris/VenusDoom on the brain, eh? She's relocating to FL soon, get a move on!

you still have kris/venusdoom on the brain, eh? She's relocating to fl soon, get a move on!

what??

Although it isn’t gum on the floor, there is a public issue with our only movie theater located in a part of town that frightens people. That is a very real public problem. And there is a very do-able advance toward its solution that does rest within local government’s power.

Across the street from the movie theater, the county commissioners can open the long overdue entrance to Nicolet Park.

In addition to a more appealing vista, the new intersection will enhance security all around the block where the movie theater is located. By connecting critical local roads police patrols can increase in the immediate vicinity and the area will become more accessible to pedestrian and local traffic. All of these things deter crime, including the improved vista.

Nicolet Park has new, small children playgrounds, including a water playground. There are ball fields and courts. The county skateboard park is located there.

A walk through one of the classiest and most accessible parks in town within an easy stroll of a half-dozen eateries could go a long way toward improving a night at the movies.

I love Viki and usually think she's on the money, but she's living in a dream world in this instance. If you make that area more accessible to foot traffic, you will be doing nothing but luring in new victims for the thugs to beat and rob.

What really needs to happen is to clean up our streets and remove the human vermin, arrest the criminals, and put them in jail. Oh, and PS, keep them there. The problem is not lack of amenities - we have no amenities because we allow the dregs of society to take over everything so that nobody in their right mind would go there.

If I were Queen of St. Mary's, the first thing I would do is close up the soup kitchen and burn down all the Section 8 housing. Encourage those people to go clutter up some other community.

Movie theater, public swimming pool, Nicolette Park; what do these things have in common? :confused:

What does Nicolet Park have to do with the crappy movie theater again? It isn't 'crime' that makes me not go- it's the fact that the theater is downright disgusting.

If I were Queen of St. Mary's, the first thing I would do is close up the soup kitchen and burn down all the Section 8 housing. Encourage those people to go clutter up some other community.

Seriously, those people are like cats; if you feed them it just attracts more.

Movie theater, public swimming pool, Nicolette Park; what do these things have in common? :confused:

Thugs.

I love Viki and usually think she's on the money, but she's living in a dream world in this instance. If you make that area more accessible to foot traffic, you will be doing nothing but luring in new victims for the thugs to beat and rob.

What really needs to happen is to clean up our streets and remove the human vermin, arrest the criminals, and put them in jail. Oh, and PS, keep them there. The problem is not lack of amenities - we have no amenities because we allow the dregs of society to take over everything so that nobody in their right mind would go there.

If I were Queen of St. Mary's, the first thing I would do is close up the soup kitchen and burn down all the Section 8 housing. Encourage those people to go clutter up some other community.

What does Nicolet Park have to do with the crappy movie theater again? It isn't 'crime' that makes me not go- it's the fact that the theater is downright disgusting.


Vrai, I agree, she must not have spent any time in that park, and has no idea the woods in there are rife with homeless folks. Who I know for the most part are harmless people. But only for the most part. And of course, the park is the gateway for the thugs that live in the various areas around there to get the SOW liquor store. Now, I lived in Patuxent Homes for three years, but I didnt make it a habit to frequent the park after dark. We have had what, two thug based robberies by the theater in the last three years, and one in the park itself, I think? Silly to think that making an entrance to the park would have any positive effect on the theater. Classiest park in town? Sorry, not buying that, and the notion that a road would enable police to chase the thugs through the park is silly also.

Frog, very simple, really. They are almost connected now, in fact a dual sport motorcycle can easily make the passage from one to the other:howdy:.

Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/mw7G)

but back out a notch or two, and you see that the park is surrounded by the heaviest concentration of low income housing in the county, and at night time, prime movie attendance time, that park is not any place I would "stroll" myself unless I was packing.

What does Nicolet Park have to do with the crappy movie theater again? It isn't 'crime' that makes me not go- it's the fact that the theater is downright disgusting.

And why is the theater disgusting...?

Why is the theater disgusting? Piss poor management I imagine. But if you want specifics, let's see- the floors are sticky and dirty, the past couple times I have gone there has been trash in the cup holders, the seats are crap, the screens are crap, the sound is crap, the smell of musk is terrible, the bathrooms are gross, etc. My wife and I now go to NoVa if there is a movie we want to see.

Why is the theater disgusting? Piss poor management I imagine. But if you want specifics, let's see- the floors are sticky and dirty, the past couple times I have gone there has been trash in the cup holders, the seats are crap, the screens are crap, the sound is crap, the smell of musk is terrible, the bathrooms are gross, etc. My wife and I now go to NoVa if there is a movie we want to see.

Movie theaters IMHO are like most bars and many restaurants sadly. If you ever went in them, all lights on you would never go back. *shivers*

I say fight to get them to fix what we have, building more is a fruitless endeavor. It will only be trashed in a short time and be the same. Better management and the want to keep patrons is the only answer. Well pride in your business is an answer, but most don't care...got that 'only game in town' mindset.

Candy and popcorn prices are off the chart because of lost admission business. Admission costs high because of lost patrons, lost of patrons because of high admission/snack costs. So those that hang in there continue to suffer the domino effect.

Higher standards for cleanliness in theater are needed too. Health department is to easy on them.

:coffee:

anyone "scared" of the LP theatre is total wimp. It isn't frightening in the least. Neither is most of lexington park. It has an undeserved bad reputation that feeds on itself and lets a bunch of stupid punks think they are badass because people write articles about how "scary" LP is.

Instead of wasting money on riduculous hinderances like the divider with shrubs, the better thing the perk up LP is to move some of the growth from 235 to down there. A few restaurants that aren't fast food, stores that their only draw isnt that things are dirt cheap, knock down that dirty motel, all the old signs that don't work anymore. Things like that. LP really isnt a horrible place..there are a ton of great small businesses down there.


And the theatre is crazy dirty and MORE expensive than the lovely theatre in annapolis...i have no problem going if there is a movie I want to see without driving anywhere, though.

anyone "scared" of the LP theatre is total wimp. It isn't frightening in the least. Neither is most of lexington park. It has an undeserved bad reputation that feeds on itself and lets a bunch of stupid punks think they are badass because people write articles about how "scary" LP is.

Instead of wasting money on riduculous hinderances like the divider with shrubs, the better thing the perk up LP is to move some of the growth from 235 to down there. A few restaurants that aren't fast food, stores that their only draw isnt that things are dirt cheap, knock down that dirty motel, all the old signs that don't work anymore. Things like that. LP really isnt a horrible place..there are a ton of great small businesses down there.


And the theatre is crazy dirty and MORE expensive than the lovely theatre in annapolis...i have no problem going if there is a movie I want to see without driving anywhere, though.

I agree, for the most part. I let my teen daughter go to night movies there on occasion. But she's been taught street smarts, never goes with less than 2 other people, has here head on a swivel. But I can see where folks have trepidation. Would you stroll that park after dark? I would walk through Patuxent Homes at night, and most of the neighborhoods in Lex Park, but would not enter the park at night. There is one other area I would not venture on foot alone. but that's about it. Punks or not, 3-5 against one, you're gonna get your ass kicked.

anyone "scared" of the LP theatre is total wimp. It isn't frightening in the least. Neither is most of lexington park. It has an undeserved bad reputation that feeds on itself and lets a bunch of stupid punks think they are badass because people write articles about how "scary" LP is.

Instead of wasting money on riduculous hinderances like the divider with shrubs, the better thing the perk up LP is to move some of the growth from 235 to down there. A few restaurants that aren't fast food, stores that their only draw isnt that things are dirt cheap, knock down that dirty motel, all the old signs that don't work anymore. Things like that. LP really isnt a horrible place..there are a ton of great small businesses down there.


And the theatre is crazy dirty and MORE expensive than the lovely theatre in annapolis...i have no problem going if there is a movie I want to see without driving anywhere, though.

You have fun with that. LP is a filthy dirty ghetto and you'd never catch me near that place after dark.

You have fun with that. LP is a filthy dirty ghetto and you'd never catch me near that place after dark.

:yeahthat:

Small theaters are out. You can watch at home on DVD or pay per view. Or wait till on a premium Movie chanel of your choice. If you have High Speed INTERNET, a ROKU box will let you get NETFLIX and Amazon Prime and More.

Stadium seating theaters still have a market.

Remember when we had the Park and the Plazza?

If they can make the improvements to the theater in Waldorf, they can make them here.

I love Viki and usually think she's on the money, but she's living in a dream world in this instance. If you make that area more accessible to foot traffic, you will be doing nothing but luring in new victims for the thugs to beat and rob.

What really needs to happen is to clean up our streets and remove the human vermin, arrest the criminals, and put them in jail. Oh, and PS, keep them there. The problem is not lack of amenities - we have no amenities because we allow the dregs of society to take over everything so that nobody in their right mind would go there.

If I were Queen of St. Mary's, the first thing I would do is close up the soup kitchen and burn down all the Section 8 housing. Encourage those people to go clutter up some other community.


Hmmm... hope you never get down on your luck. Do you have attorneys, all speciality doctors and the IRS stuck up your b@tt ready for your biddin? Let's hope so... cause you may eat those words someday!

Since the suject of a new movie theater is a hot topic here from time to time, I thought some might find this interesting...


Why a New Movie Theater? : The Lexington Park Leader (http://lexleader.net/movie-theater/)

I am all for getting a nice movie theater. The taxes alone are worth it for the local government. I would probably go regularly ie once a week, maybe. As for the neighborhood, I don't care. I'd prefer it on the northern end of the county so it is centrally located for Charles, St. Mary's, and Calvert but am not optimistic. Apparently, figuring out a working sewer is waaaay too much to ask, even though the Romans did it a while ago. If it's in Lexington Park, I don't care. I'm not scared. Some of the folks on this board need to grow a pair :-)

Why is the theater disgusting? Piss poor management I imagine. But if you want specifics, let's see- the floors are sticky and dirty, the past couple times I have gone there has been trash in the cup holders, the seats are crap, the screens are crap, the sound is crap, the smell of musk is terrible, the bathrooms are gross, etc. My wife and I now go to NoVa if there is a movie we want to see.

I drive to NOVA too! It's a damn shame to have to drive a 100 miles round trip, because people can't keep a clean theater.

Is the Brandywne Multiplex open...:confused:


Starting in 2010, movie goers won’t have to drive to Bowie or into the District of Columbia to see a movie in a theater with stadium-style seating.
Bethesda-based Faison Enterprises recently agreed with Chicago-based Kerasotes Theatres to bring a 71,000-square-foot multiplex to a Brandywine development just over the Charles County border in Prince George’s County.

There are no major cinemas in Calvert, St. Mary’s or Charles counties, said Howard S. Biel, senior managing director northeast⁄mid-Atlantic retail development at Faison.

‘‘There are some old theaters around, but nothing is going to touch this,” Biel said.

The 16-screen theater will be part of Brandywine Crossing, a 750,000-square-foot retail project located at U.S. 301 and Branch Avenue. Biel said the development will serve as a regional shopping and entertainment center for Southern Maryland.

This will be the first theater Kerasotes is opening in the mid-Atlantic region.



Multiplex cinema to open in Brandywine in 2010 (http://ww2.somdnews.com/stories/05302008/recmor152941_32154.shtml)

Is the Brandywne Multiplex open...:confused:


Starting in 2010, movie goers won’t have to drive to Bowie or into the District of Columbia to see a movie in a theater with stadium-style seating.
Bethesda-based Faison Enterprises recently agreed with Chicago-based Kerasotes Theatres to bring a 71,000-square-foot multiplex to a Brandywine development just over the Charles County border in Prince George’s County.

There are no major cinemas in Calvert, St. Mary’s or Charles counties, said Howard S. Biel, senior managing director northeast⁄mid-Atlantic retail development at Faison.

‘‘There are some old theaters around, but nothing is going to touch this,” Biel said.

The 16-screen theater will be part of Brandywine Crossing, a 750,000-square-foot retail project located at U.S. 301 and Branch Avenue. Biel said the development will serve as a regional shopping and entertainment center for Southern Maryland.

This will be the first theater Kerasotes is opening in the mid-Atlantic region.



Multiplex cinema to open in Brandywine in 2010 (http://ww2.somdnews.com/stories/05302008/recmor152941_32154.shtml)

Excellent! Then I will spend my money there to support the local tax base that was enlightened enough to land the deal! Hooooda thunk PG government was smarter and more agile than St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert? I guess even a blind squirrel...

Excellent! Then I will spend my money there to support the local tax base that was enlightened enough to land the deal! Hooooda thunk PG government was smarter and more agile than St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert? I guess even a blind squirrel...I seriously don't know if it ever opened... I never hear anyone talk about it.

I seriously don't know if it ever opened... I never hear anyone talk about it.

It looks like they are building it now. There is a sign on 301. Also, the Waldorf theater has SUDDENLY decided to remodel, so it's a "go!" I can't wait! BUT I gotta say it, "Somebody want to tell me how PG can figure out how to attract such a lucrative business and the other three counties in SOMD can't?" Just saying, "That's alotta tax revenue...a huge missed opportunity!"

I seriously don't know if it ever opened... I never hear anyone talk about it.

Here's a link to a 2012 article:

Waldorf movie theater to get $4.5 million facelift - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/waldorf-movie-theater-to-get-45-million-facelift/2012/01/16/gIQAeyYv7P_story.html)

Is the Brandywne Multiplex open...:confused:
Starting in 2010, movie goers won’t have to drive to Bowie or into the District of Columbia to see a movie in a theater with stadium-style seating.
Bethesda-based Faison Enterprises recently agreed with Chicago-based Kerasotes Theatres to bring a 71,000-square-foot multiplex to a Brandywine development just over the Charles County border in Prince George’s County.

There are no major cinemas in Calvert, St. Mary’s or Charles counties, said Howard S. Biel, senior managing director northeast⁄mid-Atlantic retail development at Faison.

‘‘There are some old theaters around, but nothing is going to touch this,” Biel said.

The 16-screen theater will be part of Brandywine Crossing, a 750,000-square-foot retail project located at U.S. 301 and Branch Avenue. Biel said the development will serve as a regional shopping and entertainment center for Southern Maryland.

This will be the first theater Kerasotes is opening in the mid-Atlantic region.



Multiplex cinema to open in Brandywine in 2010 (http://ww2.somdnews.com/stories/05302008/recmor152941_32154.shtml)

Why bother waiting? Have you even gone to the renovated Waldorf theater? I used to drive all the way to Kingstowne in Alexandria, but not anymore. I have seen at least four summer movies in the renovated Waldorf theater, and I am convinced that it is one of the best in the DC metro area--now. If it had an IMAX screen it would be the best IMO.

It looks like they are building it now. There is a sign on 301. Also, the Waldorf theater has SUDDENLY decided to remodel, so it's a "go!" I can't wait! BUT I gotta say it, "Somebody want to tell me how PG can figure out how to attract such a lucrative business and the other three counties in SOMD can't?" Just saying, "That's alotta tax revenue...a huge missed opportunity!"

The Waldorf theater renovations are completed. The theater now has an improved sound system, carpeted floors in the theaters, and huge plush leather seats that recline all the way back with the push of a button. I have been really impressed with the improvements.:popcorn:

I think what people miss when they say things like "We are out on a penninsula" is that a lot of people from Calvert also come here to do their dining and shopping. Unless a business is absolutly terrible, it always does better than inititially expected in St. Mary's.

Here is something to think about. Wicomico County on the Eastern Shore has has a population of about 90,000 people. It's main commerce center is of course Salisbury. Salisbury has pretty much everything that Waldorf does and more. I am talking mall, airport with commercial service, zoo, and yes, a Regal 16 Theater. They support all of this with a population 10,000 lower than St. Marys County, and median income almost $20K lower per family. Additionally, Salisbury is surrounded by "generally" downtrodden, small rural countys none of which as prosperous, or greater than 50K in population. St. Mary's borders two of the more affluent county's in the state with over 90K residents each.

So just because no current or former commissioner has owned the movie theatre doesn't mean they aren't associates with the folks who do. Back-door deals folks, happens all the time in good o'le boy networks. St.Mary's county is no different.

We really need a new movie theater in Prince Frederick! :popcorn:

a lot of people from Calvert also come here to do their dining and shopping

Why wouldn't they go to Annapolis? Morons.

We really need a new movie theater in Prince Frederick! :popcorn:

The Prince Frederick theater is an even bigger joke than Lexington Park. It's cash only! What year is this?!

Another big problem I have with the Lex Park theater is the fact that it is so old. The seats are old, the screens are small, the sound is crap, etc. I don't mind spending the money to get the full experience of a movie. Going to a movie theater should have a sense of 'magic'- the HUGE screen, epic surround sound, nice seating (and not looking at the back of someones head). But you cannot get any of those from Lex Park- or anywhere else around for that matter.,

Arson Outside Waldorf Movie Theater | Southern Maryland News Net (http://smnewsnet.com/archives/18356)

Arson Outside Waldorf Movie Theater | Southern Maryland News Net (http://smnewsnet.com/archives/18356)

Can't have anything nice... dayum thugs...:mad:

The Prince Frederick theater is an even bigger joke than Lexington Park. It's cash only! What year is this?!

,

Ughh... I am venturing to that theater tomorrow.. I haven't been to this one in 10 years. Wish me luck!

Can't have anything nice... dayum thugs...:mad:

It didn't affect the theater, it was a car.... :lmao: Probably an insurance scam anyway.

Ughh... I am venturing to that theater tomorrow.. I haven't been to this one in 10 years. Wish me luck!

K_Jo finally convinced you to take her to see Magic Mike, huh...:yahoo:

K_Jo finally convinced you to take her to see Magic Mike, huh...:yahoo:

:lmao:

The Waldorf theater renovations are completed. The theater now has an improved sound system, carpeted floors in the theaters, and huge plush leather seats that recline all the way back with the push of a button. I have been really impressed with the improvements.:popcorn:

I won't go to the Waldorf theater. I'm punishing them for dragging their feet for so many years. They could've re-invested, at any point in the past few decades, but chose to ride out profits as long as they could. That is their right as a business. Now, I'll exercise my rights as a consumer and drive right past their sorry asses on my way to Brandywine. Beside, 14 or 16 screens, maybe an I-Max, no brainer! That's what you get for maximizing profits to the point you burn your base with consumers. Loyalty is a two way street. I've seen enough movies in that dung pile.

I don't understand what it is I'm paying for at the Lexington Park Theater...

It's generally a pit, nothing special.. No stadium seating, seats don't recline, sound system is no better than what I have at home..

But their prices are the same as Arundel Mills.. and I think their snack prices are MUCH higher for smaller servings. ($4.50 for a small soda).

I took the kids there last week-end and I felt like I got robbed when I left there. I don't mind spending GOOD money on a good product, but if you want me to use your crappy product discount the prices a little (or a LOT).

WANTED: Man Robs Woman of Purse at Movie Theater | Southern Maryland News Net (http://smnewsnet.com/archives/19593)

On June 15 2012 at approximately 5:15 P.M., the pictured suspect was involved in a strong arm robbery where a purse was forcibly removed from a female victim in the area of the AMC Loews Movie Theater in Lexington Park, Maryland.

WANTED: Man Robs Woman of Purse at Movie Theater | Southern Maryland News Net (http://smnewsnet.com/archives/19593)

On June 15 2012 at approximately 5:15 P.M., the pictured suspect was involved in a strong arm robbery where a purse was forcibly removed from a female victim in the area of the AMC Loews Movie Theater in Lexington Park, Maryland.

I just read that. Didn't somebody say that it wasn't dangerous to go there? :ohwell: This is exactly why I don't go. At 5:15, it wasn't even dark yet. If you're not safe in broad daylight, you're sure as hell not going to be safe after dark.

I just read that. Didn't somebody say that it wasn't dangerous to go there? :ohwell: This is exactly why I don't go. At 5:15, it wasn't even dark yet. If you're not safe in broad daylight, you're sure as hell not going to be safe after dark.
Exactly. He "strong armed" the purse from her in broad daylight. He got away with it.... here we are pretty much two months later and they still don't know his identity.

Exactly. He "strong armed" the purse from her in broad daylight. He got away with it.... here we are pretty much two months later and they still don't know his identity.

On a bicycle!

On a bicycle!

A green one!

A green one!

And possibly struck a motor vehicle traveling on FDR Boulevard!

Is there any truth to the rumor that it won't be just a movie theater, that they will also offer other entertainment? More attractions? Maybe add a shooting range?















:evil:

I just read that. Didn't somebody say that it wasn't dangerous to go there? :ohwell: This is exactly why I don't go. At 5:15, it wasn't even dark yet. If you're not safe in broad daylight, you're sure as hell not going to be safe after dark.

Do you ever go to Walmart, Target, W.W. Center, etc. Crimes have benn committed in those places as well. If I decided not go to evey place where a crime has been committed, I wouldn't be able to leave my house.

Just curious if someone has data on how many crimes have actually taken place at the LP movie theater and how they compare to other places.

Well, strong arm robberies of folks who are not associated with each other? Thinking back, I am pretty sure there have been a total of three in the last three years. I cant think of any other small area (think the local trailer parks, etc) that has had that many.

This of course doesnt count the robbery of the teens at the skatepark about 300 feet away. That all said, I let my 17 daughter go there, even to nightime showings, but she has to be with at least one, preferably two or more people, and I know her SA is pretty damn good.

Face it, these guys look for easy targets, and there are so many, if you look remotely like the sort of person who is not a victim, your odds of being unmolested rise exponentially. Same old stuff you've heard a million times before. Be aware, be visibly paying attention to your surroundings. Be ready to act, not react. In this sense, it's like being a motorcycle rider, or practicing the Marine rules of gun fighting. Be polite but have a plan to kill everyone you meet. Now, most of us dont have the skill or abilities to do so, bet even being ready to try sends signals. Like locking your car, it wont stop everyone, but the great majority of criminals are lazy, and look for easy pickings. Be a hard target, and look like one.

Do you ever go to Walmart, Target, W.W. Center, etc. Crimes have benn committed in those places as well. If I decided not go to evey place where a crime has been committed, I wouldn't be able to leave my house.

Just curious if someone has data on how many crimes have actually taken place at the LP movie theater and how they compare to other places.

Crimes happen everywhere, but if you can avoid getting mugged, you should.

Crimes happen everywhere, but if you can avoid getting mugged, you should.

Yep, that is a given.

Yep, that is a given.

Well, I need food on my table and toilet paper in my bathroom, so I guess I'll just have to take my chances there. I don't need to go to the theater.

I won't go to the Waldorf theater. I'm punishing them for dragging their feet for so many years. They could've re-invested, at any point in the past few decades, but chose to ride out profits as long as they could. That is their right as a business. Now, I'll exercise my rights as a consumer and drive right past their sorry asses on my way to Brandywine. Beside, 14 or 16 screens, maybe an I-Max, no brainer! That's what you get for maximizing profits to the point you burn your base with consumers. Loyalty is a two way street. I've seen enough movies in that dung pile.

Too bad. You're missing a good movie experience. But they have plenty of business. Went to see Dark Knight on a tuesday afternoon to avoid the weekend crowds and it was a full house too. :popcorn: