ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WENY) -- Elmira Heights Mayor Margaret Smithh released a statement after a petition was launched for the Elmira Heights Theater to be gifted to the operators. 

As WENY News reported, His Tabernacle Family Church is expected to take over the theater by the end of the year. Thursday, Robert Wylie, the co-owner of the LLC that currently owns the theater, released a statement through his attorney. In the statement, he said details in the petition were inaccurate. 

Wylie's lawyer says a business associate had intended to buy the theater, but that sale fell through. After that, it was decided the theater would be given to His Tabernacle. 

Today, Mayor Smit said the transaction is a private one between everyone involved. She added the village has not received any information from His Tabernacle regarding the intended use of the theater, but Pastor Michael Spencer has said it would be transformed into a community center. 

The entire statement can be read below: