8/7/2019 BTF Press Release Letter to Council Historic Ratification FINAL

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BEACH THEATRE FOUNDATION URGES CAPE MAY CITY COUNCIL

TO REVERSE NO ACTION STANCEON HISTORIC DESIGNATION

Foundation trustees send letter to Council

CAPE MAY, NJ, February 24, 2011 - The Beach Theatre Foundation (BTF) announced today that itsboard of trustees delivered a letter to the Cape May City Council urging that body to ratify therecommendations of the Citys Historic Preservation Commission and Planning Board to designate the

Beach Theatre as an historic site.

In the letter, the BTF noted the passage of time that has occurred since the recommendation was given tothe Council, It has been in Councils purview and subject to legislative discretion for 16 months. Althoughwe had urged you to act on this previously, we were profoundly disappointed to learn that you refused to

do so publicly at your meeting of February 1, 2011.

The letter goes on to address the City solicitors concern that the theatres owners are currently re-applying for a demolition permit for the theatre with the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), Thus despite

the rationale advanced by the City Solicitor as reported in the press, in fact, it is not you who is interfering

in a proceeding, rather it was a proceeding begun by an applicant that knew the designation process wastwo thirds completed that is interfering with your zoning discretion. For Frank Investments to proceed in its

appeal was fully in the scope of risk that you might act.

The letter ends by pointing out the significant benefits that would come from a designation, An improvedand renovated Beach Theatre would not only be impressive evidence Cape May should come off the

National Park Service watch list, it would also represent an attractive complement to the future viability ofthe Citys new convention hall.

Separately, Steve Jackson, president and founder of the BTF, added, People should not think becausethe theatre has been allowed to fall into ruin that it is does not have historic merit. Jackson also

commented on Citys next steps, Its the right thing for the City to do. The HPC understands better thananyone what are the important historic assets of Cape May. Furthermore, preservation experts including

Preservation New Jersey have confirmed the historical merits of this very unique mid-century neo-colonialmovie theatre. And with the issue of our landmark status in question, why would the City act in a mannerthat would further jeopardize our National Historic Landmark status? It is clear that right now our town is

being scrutinized for any preservation actions we take or not take.

The letter has been made public and can be found at the foundations website: www.beachtheatre.org .

About Beach Theatre Foundation, Inc.

The Beach Theatre Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) designated corporation founded in 2007. Its

mission is to save the historic Beach Theatre in Cape May, New Jersey and operate the theatre to enrichthe entertainment, cultural and educational values of Cape May and southern New Jersey. The Beach

Theatre was first opened in 1950 as an 806 seat movie theatre by Hunts Theatres, Inc. Designed byfamed architect William Harold Lee, the theatre was placed on Preservation New Jerseys Ten Most

Endangered Historic Sites in New Jersey in 2008.

Contact:! Steve Jackson 609-849-8780steve@beachtheatre.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

mailto:steve@beachtheatre.orghttp://www.beachtheatre.org/mailto:steve@beachtheatre.orgmailto:steve@beachtheatre.orghttp://www.beachtheatre.org/http://www.beachtheatre.org/