STONE HARBOR – Mayor Suzanne Walters told the Herald she would like the borough to lease the vacant lot at 96th Street and Third Avenue, the future location of the long-awaited Shelter Haven Resort, to do temporary improvements for the public to enjoy the waterfront lot before construction of the resort begins this fall.
Walters said the intention is not to use taxpayer money to fund private property improvements.
Walters said it would likely cost about $5,000 to mow the lawn and install borough-owned planters and benches that would be removed after the lease period.
Walters said the borough could lease the property from Owner Dr. John Sprandio from Memorial Day to Labor Day for $1 and use the property for outdoor movies and live music.
“The idea is not spend a lot of money but to have a last hoorah and take advantage of the property to bring people into town,” she said.
The mayor hopes to gave local organizations donate funds.
Council has not yet officially discussed the idea but Walters said a decision should be made soon in order for the borough to prepare a lease agreement before the end of May.
Designed by Philadelphia architect Richard Stokes, the highly anticipated Shelter Haven Resort will offer bay views, a retractable glass roof around an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, waterfront dining, multiple restaurants and bars, two-story suites and upscale amenities to keep in step with the borough’s vision for a revitalized downtown.
Residents and officials encouraged the resort project and expect it to jumpstart the borough’s recently zoned Waterfront Business District and extend “shoulder seasons” with spring and fall events to keep business in the borough year round.
Sprandio gained site plan approval, with the necessary variances, for both project phases for the Shelter Haven Resort at the Zoning Board’s meeting here July 11 2008.
The resort will also include the former Henny’s Restaurant property on the corner of 97th Street and Third Avenue and use the Henny’s liquor license.
The reconstructed Henny’s property will have a large day spa, cafe, wine bar, and restaurant with 12 bi-level suites in a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) building, an environmental standard in creating eco-friendly buildings.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
