Alpine Cinema in Bay Ridge can hold 1,300 people, but it hasn’t hosted anyone since the COVID-19 protocols went into place in New York City.

It’s been a cause for great stress for owner Nicolas Nicolau, who says the theater will celebrate 100 years in business in June. It’s the oldest operating theater in New York City.

Nicolau says he was very optimistic to learn about Sen. Chuck Schumer's efforts to provide funding for independent theaters like his. Schumer included independent theaters in the Save Our Stages Act, which was passed last month in Congress.

The Bay Ridge business owner says these venues are the backbone of communities and he's grateful that someone is stepping up. He called the theater a “magnet” where people come together.

Sen. Schumer told News 12 in a statement:

“The dedicated federal assistance to independent venues ensures that when it is safe to do so, we can gather again for comedy, music, theater, and movies and to once again enjoy the cultural institutions that have been around for generations."

The package creates a Small Business Administration grant program that is designed to provide six months of financial support.

Nicolau says closing the theater is not an option.