Catherine O'Leary and Nico Rossi
37 minutes ago
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A movie theater in downtown Scranton received a violation notice because its outdoor lighting was “too bright.”
Last month, the Art House Theater and Social Club completed the installation of an illuminated sign directly above the building's entrance at the corner of Penn and Lackawanna streets.
The new sign will be visible from both thoroughfares when lit. But Scranton Borough officials sent a letter Monday saying the sign's lighting violates the light and glare provisions of the Scranton Borough Ordinance.
The ordinance requires theaters to dim their lights and turn them off completely when the theater closes.
“I think it's a beautiful sign. With more lighting, it makes this place look like New York City,” said Winfield Cullen of Dunmore.
“I don't think it's a problem at all. I mean, it's not a residential area, so it shouldn't be a distraction or an inconvenience to anyone. Rather, it's not a problem, it's more about people coming downtown and seeing the building provide… It has to be something that people want to see, so I think that's perfectly fine,” Duryea's Anthony Marso said.
Arthouse theaters now have 28 days to comply with the violation order or file an appeal.
