Council Updated on Theater Remake, Veterans Memory Bench Approved

STONE HARBOR – In an unusually short Borough Council meeting May 3, a report was made on progress at the Harbor Square Theater redevelopment. 
Clint Bunting, one of the partners who bought the theater from the Frank Theatre group, spoke of plans to make the theater a focal point of the downtown area. “We will be open year-round,” he said.
Bunting talked about a desire to help make Stone Harbor a destination for people even outside the busy summer.
Bunting lauded the restoration at the site where crews have filled dumpster after dumpster of debris as they uncover 1940s original molding. The concept calls for a high-end venue for entertainment that will go beyond just films. 
Mayor Suzanne Walters called the effort “Great news for the borough,” and added that “everyone is very excited about the design presented to the planning board.”
Bunting invited council and “any of the public here at the meeting” to drop by the theater after the meeting “or anytime.” “We’d love to show you what we are doing,” he said. Plans call for the theater to open prior to the start of the summer.
American Legion Bench
At an earlier meeting, Council member Joan Kramar proposed having council purchase a bench at American Legion Post 331 in memory of Albert Carusi, a veteran, Post 331 supporter and council member who died suddenly in 2015. 
At the time, some members, while expressing strong feeling for Carusi, argued that it would set a precedent that council had, to the present, avoided, that of paying for memorials of any sort for a specific individual.
Kramar offered a compromise when she proposed having a bench paid by the council and the borough in the name of all Stone Harbor veterans. “I think Al would like that very much,” she said.
Council unanimously approved the measure.
Cost of a Tent Rising
Groups that seek to host affairs at the Women’s Civic Club of Stone Harbor may find themselves paying a bit more for the privilege. Council President Karen Lane proposed that fees associated with renting a tent for an event or wedding should be raised from the current level of $235 to $275.
The increase is aimed at helping to defray costs associated with water use at events.
The Civic Club is one of the borough properties exempt from water and sewer charges. It is, according to Lane, “the second highest user of water among all exempt properties in the borough.”
Lane argued that “a $40 increase in the fees to cover utilities does not seem too steep.” She was quick to point out that the fee is paid by the individual or group hosting an event and not directly by the Civic Club.
The issue was up for discussion at this meeting but will likely be placed for a formal vote at the May 17 meeting.
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.