From city Communications Director Brett Broesder:
Today, Mayor Bill Finch announced that Cinépolis USA, a luxury cinema complex, will build a 50,000 square foot cinema at Bridgeport’s Steelpointe Harbor, projected to open in 2017. He was joined by former Bridgeport Mayors Leonard Paoletta, Tom Bucci, and John Fabrizi, as well as several other elected officials, community and business leaders, and trade union representatives.
“This is great news, serving as further proof that Bridgeport is getting better every day,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch. “Steelpointe Harbor will create thousands of jobs and add millions to our tax rolls. It’s the largest economic development project in Bridgeport since the Industrial Revolution. We’re thrilled to have Cinépolis USA join several other top-notch companies at the Steelpointe Harbor waterfront development.”
Cinépolis Bridgeport marks Cinépolis USA’s debut into Connecticut. It also marks the introduction of the exhibitor’s second hybrid location with its offering of two unique auditorium concepts in one cinema, “Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas” and “Cinépolis.”
The theater’s five “Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas” auditoriums will offer guests a luxury movie-going experience with fully reclining leather seats and in-theater waiter service and dining with full bar, available at the touch of a button. Guests of the theater’s seven “Cinépolis” auditoriums will enjoy a premium theater experience with comfortable seating and access to the gourmet menu and full bar in the lobby area.
“Steelpointe Harbor is the perfect project to launch one of our first theaters in the Northeast,” said Neil Baron, Vice President of Real Estate, Cinépolis USA. “We take much pride in selecting the best locations when we introduce our theater concept to new markets.
The combination of great demographics, beautiful design, mix of uses and prime waterfront made Steelpointe Harbor extremely desirable to us.”
“This innovative theater concept will significantly elevate the cinema experience in Fairfield County,” said Douglas Jerum, Steelpointe Harbor leasing consultant made the announcement. “It’s an exciting entertainment component of the project that will be unlike anything available in the region today.”
History of Steel Point
Steel Point, now Steelpointe Harbor, is a peninsula ringed by waterfront along Yellow Mill Channel and the Pequonnock River with the Long Island Sound on its southern edge and I-95 and the city’s East Side on the north end. Shipbuilding began on the banks of this area in the early 1700s. And around the 1770s, a wharf and store were built in this location. And in the late 1800s, the peninsula was booming with commerce.
The name “Steel Point” is derived from “Bridgeport Steel Works” that was at one time located at this site. And in 1888, former Bridgeport Mayor P.T. Barnum paraded dozens of elephants across one of the nation’s first iron bridges with an electric motor powering the draw, crossing from the Pequannock River to what is now where Fairfield Avenue meets Stratford Avenue, the main artery for Steelpointe Harbor.
In the 1900s, Steel Point was home to marinas, homes, and shellfish businesses.
But in the early 1980s, former Bridgeport Mayor Leonard Paoletta came up with the idea for redeveloping Steel Point, calling the development Harbor Pointe.
From 1985-89, with Thomas Bucci as mayor, a new feasibility study of Harbor Pointe was ordered. But ongoing uncertainty about UI’s plans for its Steel Point power plant, and an impending financial crisis in the city combined to halt progress.
Once the economy began to rebound nationally and locally in the mid-1990s, the development name changed from Harbor Pointe to make way for the $1 billion Harbor Place. But due to corruption scandals, the project stalled.
“One of the biggest setbacks [in developing Steel Point] was a scandal involving former Mayor Joseph Ganim, who was convicted in 2003 on 16 charges that included receiving about $500,000 in bribes and kickbacks,” stated the Wall Street Journal. According to federal prosecutors, a group of developers promised to raise $500,000 for Mr. Ganim’s anticipated gubernatorial campaign in exchange for allowing them to develop Steel Point.”
Surely this is a joke. Didn’t the multiplex in Black Rock just close? Aren’t industry experts predicting hard times for large-scale cinemas due to home- and mobile-device-based options?
This whole development (Steel Point), as planned, is a very, very stupid waste of waterfront land.
We had a real business, with real jobs there–Direktor Shipyards–that closed during the mayoral campaign in 2011, before Finch was re-elected. Why didn’t Finch get Malloy to help them the way he helped UBS in Stamford with $20,000,000? Direktor had good jobs that taught transferable skills to Bridgeport workers. Now we’re going to another big-box multiplex theater? Why? So it can close in six months and we can turn it into a warehouse for the feeder-barge port operation?
This city’s approach to redevelopment is surreal … Absolutely absurd.
Right On, Jeff!
Jeff,
My thoughts exactly. People from Fairfield, Trumbull, Easton and points west are going to hop in their SUV’s and luxury autos to drive to the East Side of Bridgeport and dine at Chipotle, desert at Starbucks and watch a movie when they wouldn’t support a multiplex in Bridgeport on the FAIRFIELD line. Great development proposal.
Which theater closed in Bridgeport?
BFD, shitty development, a theatre, wow. Finch’s idea of development is to build shit with low-paying jobs and that is going to obsolete. What are moron. Bring UBS to Bridgeport, that would be something.
“Golly. You can watch a movie and have someone bring you drinks and food as it happens. Wow. This and Starbucks really puts Bridgeport on the map.” Council President McCarthy said.
When asked what map that might be he said that he will have to check with the mayor. He was told just to say that.
It was nice to see former Bridgeport Mayor Leonard Paoletta in the video.
I understand the next press conference will be the announcement of the installation of some fire hydrants.
It was nice to see Len Paoletta involved. What a contrast in styles with Finch. He would be a great role model for a mayor.
I’d like to stay positive about any new business coming to Bridgeport, but as Jeff and others said, this just doesn’t make sense. Both the Stratford and Black Rock movie theaters on the 95 corridor recently closed. Everyone in this area better keep a close eye on Sikorsky’s future decisions.
So how does a movie complex complement an anchor waterfront sports store?
When you get hit in the back of the head with a fishing pole and your entire box of hot buttered popcorn goes down the back of the lady sitting in front of you, as her paranoid husband pulls out his new Glock pistol he just purchased from Bass Pro, and you hastily wipe the back of the lady’s neck with the one-ply napkins the flucking candy counter girl gave you with the hot buttered popcorn, while she’s screaming at the top of her lungs to her husband to put two into this flucking dumb-ass honky!
I think that’s the only way Finch can come up with a complement for Bass Pro Shop!
I want to see Mexican movies? Why.
I got the “Mexican revenge ” on coming back to the U.S. recently.
Now I’m back in Bridgeport so I get the “Finch revenge” …
More Sh.t.
Welcome home.
Jimfox, why does the shooter in the theater have to be a person of color? I say that because in your scenario the wife says put two in this honky’s head and another white wouldn’t say that.
The disturbing truth, according to the FBI’s most recent homicide statistics, is the United States is in the wake of an epidemic of white-on-white crime. Back in 2011, the most recent year for which data is available, a staggering 83 percent of white murder victims were killed by fellow Caucasians.
Don, it’s all about the popcorn!
There really isn’t anything left say, what a mess this is turning out to be. A 12-screen movie theater??? Scheduled to open in 2017??? By the time it opens, it will already be obsolete. What’s next, a blockbuster video store? Or maybe a Sam Goody record store?
How about a roller skating rink aka The Mosque.
I thought the press conference was excellent. Tom McCarthy represented the city very well on Channel 12. After the negative remarks I felt obligated to add my opinion. I know, a shocker. At first I was not thrilled with the cineplex. However, given the novel concept and upscale nature I thought it would fit in nicely with the future plans of Steelepointe. This will be a destination as Bass Pro. Lower East Main St. will thrive as I believe the East Main St. merchant association will make a concerted effort to market some of the Best Hispanic restaurants in Fairfield county. Not to mention a renewed interest in the huge Victorian housing stock. I appreciate acknowledging Mayor Fabrizi for his role especially after the horrific blow to Steelepointe from the previous administration, I am happy Mayor Paoletta was there to see his vision coming into fruition. Tom Bucci will always be remembered for bringing two of the most beautiful new construction to downtown Bridgeport. A hotel and housing will now enhance the project. This will all change the image of Bridgeport forever. It is so sad how negative so many of the bloggers are. A group I usher hope to be associated with.
Jim Fox. Your honky comments were pretty racist. I wouldn’t expect you to see that. city hall smoker, you do not believe people would stay at a gorgeous new hotel on the water with a marina and entertainment? They stay downtown. I am so pleased all of the naysayers praying that Bass Pro would never happen will be very disappointed. I would not expect any on this blogosphare supporting, promoting or enjoying Steelepointe. So few support anything positive in Bridgeport. This was a great day for Bridgeport. For the opposition to Mayor Finch, not so much! The new Mexican cineplex sounds spectacular. The first of its kind in the area. Yes I believe it will be very successful. I am pleased so many construction jobs are being generated. Every day 150,000 cars passing Steelepointe on 95 will generate the buzz this city has been missing for decades. And the buzz will continue for 20 years. Finally, cranes, bricks and mortar and life on the Steelepointe peninsula. Keep these announcements coming. There is nothing wrong with feeling good and optimistic about the future of Bridgeport, is there? Congrats to Mayor Finch. You Mayor, will be remembered for getting the shovel in the ground for the biggest project in our lifetime. Not to mention all the brand new gorgeous baseball parks all over this great city in every community and yes the roads. Lolololololol, good job!
Thank you, Professor Pangloss!
Bob, that was excellent.
Steve, you have expressed concern about the negative comments posters are making about what you see as a positive development, however you don’t express any concern about the negativity of the press release itself. Do you consider the last paragraph to be “positive”? What value does the last paragraph add to this “positive” development?
Maria, the last comment was a fact and taxpayers and voters will need to remember how far we have come. Ganim needs to have his face rubbed in it over and over and over again. Second chances yes, to run the largest city in the state, no. To forget the darkness that prevailed over the city, ignorant. Hope this announcement doesn’t stop your Facebook friends from enjoying the party.
So Broesder is being paid by the Campaign? Well that’s news. I thought he was a City employee being paid with taxpayer money.
Beating a dead horse, but can the Mayor at least create the perception he is using his campaign funds to fund his campaign? He does have a capable Campaign Manager.
Steve. Are you driving the Finch clown car again?
Movie Theaters are so Thousand-Late. Millennials are watching their content at home or on a smartphone or tablet.
If this were to announce Netflix was bringing their corporate hq, then that would have brought down the house!
This big fanfare of the non-sensible is not unprecedented with the Administration. What happened to the Boot Camp Farm and the Ripka Market? What we need is competence and honesty. Did anyone else catch the claim this development is being done without any Federal or State Subsidy, speaking of honesty. Don’t forget we have a world-class historic pair of theaters across the river not being repaired and being swept under the rug. I guess that’s it.
Grin Ripper, couldn’t get a seat to see the Avengers. What decade was it since you have been to a movie?
Steve–Sweet Avenge! I’m so old I still have a VCR and 8 Track Tape Deck in my car!! I saw Woodstock at the Twin Pix Drive-In!
I saw The Exorcist there before the theaters disappeared.
I see 2 movies a week, usually escort my mother on a Sunday. She is 87 and loves movies like the Avengers, Fast and Furious, etc. etc. No prude. I hope she will enjoy the new theaters. Every blockbuster is packed and there have been many. Even with all the bootlegs and downloads, the theaters are making big bucks. I am positive this theater will make mega bucks as well as very rarely is anyone on this blog caught in a time warp.
I suppose I may owe the PIX and CANDLELIGHT for all the great movies I watched from my bike, if for nothing else but learning to read lips.
Hector, we used to go to the Candlelight and put Herbst’s uncles in the trunk. Those were the good old days.
This has been tried before locally and failed. There used to be a theater in Milford with plush leather arm chairs and table service. It is long gone now. Why? Because customers thought they were at home and could talk through movies and tell jokes and generally keep those who went to actually see and listen to the movie from doing so. It was a total disaster, with fights breaking out between those who came to see the movie and those who came to party.
Pavlick,
Thank you for your report on a similar venue that has been tried locally (but went down in flames). I happen to be a movie goer and like the large screen experience viewing with a living and breathing community around. However I do not care to spend an extra 50% to enjoy those other “services” while I am viewing.
As far as keeping the public peaceful and safe, the type of antisocial behavior you report not only keeps people away once word spreads as it usually does, but taxes our Bridgeport Police Department, already at dangerous staffing levels. Will we be back to normal staffing by 2017? Time will tell.
I loved the “Pub.”
Cinepolis has a total of three theaters in Florida and seven in California. Not very impressive.
Boo hoo. Boo hoo boo hoo hoo.
www .glassdoor.com/Reviews/Cinepolis-Reviews-E478413.htm
Some interesting comments on Glassdoor.com.
Bob Walsh, leave it to you to find a blog from disgruntled employees who were mediocre workers who had hours cut. Were you expecting rave reviews from disgruntled associates? I can tell you first-hand at Home Depot in management for over 9 years and making a good salary and lots of stock, I can assure you my review of the company under the leadership of Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank were glowing. Negative employees who had hours cut we were hoping would quit and got little increases if any, found a blog such as the one I wasted my time reviewing. No shock there. Could you possibly be less miserable and nasty about any positive news? It really knocks any credibility you have.
Maybe tomorrow the rumor mill will state Ganim made $200,000 for his fundraiser tonight. Because people just can’t stand good news. Me I’ll be watching Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal finales.
I am sure Steve will tell us he, Bill and Brett researched this completely and there is nothing to worry about. But not being aware of credit card protection laws is very serious stuff. I am not in any way impugning their integrity but you need to make sure you know the law when expanding into different countries and states. Or else you can lose class action lawsuits or employment law cases. Maybe that’s why Bucci was there. His clients are suing the city left and right and winning. Isn’t it a little odd he was invited to this ceremony?
topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/32680-cinepolis-luxury-cinemas-facta-class-action-settlement/
Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas in California has reached a class action lawsuit settlement over allegations its credit/debit card receipts contained too much information in violation of federal law. If approved, Class Members can claim up to $10.75 from the Cinépolis class action settlement.
The Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas settlement resolves a class action lawsuit accusing the movie theater of violating the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) by printing too many credit/debit card numbers on customers’ receipts. Cinépolis denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case to resolve the litigation and avoid the expense of going to trial.
A California federal judge granted preliminary approval to the Cinépolis FACTA class action settlement on June 4. A Final Fairness Hearing is scheduled for Aug. 11.
Bob, why would I tell you what Brett or Mayor Finch researched? The point is things are happening and you would not be happy unless the project were a dismal failure.
The announcement reminded me this is the last week for “Willie Wonka” at the Downtown Cabaret, great entertainment at a decent venue for about a third of what it will cost to see a movie (I can get on the street or on my computer) at the new theatre PER PERSON. I suggest we support our current venues with the same enthusiasm your leaders are expressing here for the yet unproven ones, guess it doesn’t matter when you possess the “GOLDEN TICKET.”
The Cabaret is definitely one of Downtown’s best assets.
Did Senators Moore and Gomes choose not to be there or were they snubbed? If they choose to not be part of an exciting moment then too bad.
Steve, it doesn’t matter why they were not there, I’m just glad they were not a part of that show.
Really Ron? Now that is sad. What an honor to have past Mayors there and speaking fondly of the city they love, on a gorgeous day where hundreds of carpenters and electricians are working. Yeah, I’d imagine you would be glad.
Steve, so because they were not there for the announcement of Cinépolis means they don’t love the city? What a joke.
Steven Auerbach, Mayor Bill Finch has shown us all the lack of love and respect for the University of Bridgeport, Mayor Finch’s action towards UB is a disgrace.
Ron, what does UB have to do with Steelepointe? I did not say Marilyn and Ed did not love the city. I simply asked if they were invited or snubbed and your remark was you were glad they were not at that show. And you were glad why?
I’m glad they were not a part of that dog and pony show. Like I said earlier, it was good seeing former Mayor Paoletta.