Mall movie plans

At a recent meeting with Town Administrator James Thomas, Independence Mall manager Bill Hamilton said the mall’s planned 14-screen theater complex was moving forward, with an estimated completion date in June. But in a report to selectmen, Thomas said that Hamilton would not disclose the identity of a store the mall is negotiating with to occupy 85,000 square feet as an anchor. Empty stores and rumors of closings have plagued the mall, one of the town’s largest taxpayers, in recent years. Still, Hamilton told Thomas that the mall “was here to stay in Kingston,” and in his report, Thomas said the town is “committed to assisting the mall in its efforts to revitalize and attract new businesses.” - Robert Knox