Theater group blindsided by Civic Center sale

On Nov. 28 the Brick Council members voted on a bond ordinance that included funds for a small theater for the Brick Community Players. The township planned to renovate two stores in the Civic Plaza and the architect drew up the plans to everyone's satisfaction.

On July 5, a letter went out to organizations to form a Recreation Advisory Committee and our representatives attended the information session. At that time we were informed that the Civic Plaza was being sold and the Ocean Ice Palace was being purchased for an estimated $5.5 million to become a recreation center. Our theater was no longer an option. We had not been advised of the impending decision in advance and, needless to say, suffered a public humiliation upon hearing this devastating news.

If the Ice Palace will contain all the recreational facilities that are now taking place in the Civic Plaza, plus the senior services on Adamston Road, the cheerleaders and additional theater groups, the Brick Community Players will be faced with the same problems that have haunted us for years. The problem being a place for our shows and rehearsal time.

When the Civic Plaza is finally sold, the Brick Community Players will have no place to perform and our service to the community will be no more - after 15 years of bringing entertainment to the town.

To our loyal readers and staunch supporters, I hope you feel as betrayed by our town council as we do. However, we will continue our search for a home to provide a venue for the many talents out there and entertainment for our loyal patrons, even if we have to move our theater group to a nearby community.

Ada Cole

Brick Community Players Production Secretary