A320
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors
I was working Local 1 at JFK working ILS to Runway 31R and visuals to Runway 31L. An A320 was told to line up and wait on Runway 31L with a B767-200 on 5 mile final. The A320 was cleared for takeoff and notified of traffic on a 3 mile final. The A320 did not commence his takeoff roll. With the B767 on about 1.5 mile final I told the A320 he needed to go. The A320 slowly rolled down runway at less then taxi speed. I sensed he had a problem and told the A320 to exit the runway at Taxiway Y to allow the B767 to land. At this point the A320 advised he was rolling.  The B767 was too close for this to work so I told the A320 to cancel takeoff and exit now at the next turn; which was Runway 4L. I tried to send the B767 around; but he had keyed the frequency asking about what he should do causing me not to be able to speak to the B767. Finally the B767 unkeyed and I sent him around as the A320 exited the runway. If an aircraft is cleared for takeoff but is not ready; they should notify ATC as soon as possible to prevent this type of situation.
JFK Controller described a go-around event when traffic cleared for takeoff delayed longer than expected and separation collapsed; the reporter noted the departing aircraft should have informed ATC of any expected delays.