New owners of former CinemaSaver agree to keep beloved mural

ENDICOTT, NY – ( WIVT/WBGH ) The owners of the former CinemaSaver property have agreed to keep the mural on the north side of the building.

Many local folks had feared that a mural dedicated to the memory of Lisa Iannone of Endicott was going to be painted over.

First New American Group, LLC purchased the building last year and are in the process of converting it into additional housing and a retail space.

To that end, it received a facade grant from the Town of Union to pay for half the cost of some upgrades which includes painting other sections of the building and installing some windows for new second floor apartments.

The sight of pressure washers and rumors of the possible painting-over of the mural sparked a lot of concern over social media by friends and family of Iannnone as well as those who appreciate the mural.

Mayor Nick Burlingame says his office received calls from concerned residents and he reached out to one of the owners, Parvin Chisty.

Chisty tells NewsChannel 34 that the mural will be preserved.

Iannone died of lung disease in December, 2020 at the age of 40.

Iannone was first diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in college and her friends say her courage and determination in battling the disease was inspirational.

The mural is based on a photo taken by her longtime friend, photographer Erica Stella.

Stella raised funds to bring Brooklyn-based mural artist Damien Mitchell in to create the tribute in July 2021.

Her friends also organized a Celebration of Life event to coincide with the unveiling of the mural.

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