CAPE MAY –– A local cinematic landmark was just named one of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Sites in New Jersey.

Preservation New Jersey (PNJ), a private historic preservation organization dedicated to protecting the state’s heritage, publishes an annual list to draw attention to the plight of ten particularly threatened sites.

The Beach Theater in Cape May made this year’s list along with the Arneytown Historic District (Burlington), the Atlantic City and Belcoville Post Offices (Atlantic), Forney House & Clinic (Middlesex), Lake Solitude Dam (Hunterdon), Sacred Heart Church (Hudson), Shady Rest Country Club (Union), Speedwell Avenue (Morris), and 160 Willard Avenue (Essex).

“The Beach Theater may become the latest victim in the epidemic of ‘tear downs’ at the Jersey Shore,” PNJ’s Web site stated.

According to PNJ, the theater’s prominent location on the beachfront is the very reason for its threat.

“If developed at a higher intensity use, (it) could yield large financial benefits for the owners,” the announcement continued.

The property is owned by Frank Investments, which owns 16 other theaters in six states including those in Rio Grande, Stone Harbor and Ocean City.

Frank’s plans to demolish the circa 1950 Beach Theater and build a condominium complex were approved by the Cape May Historic Preservation Commission in the fall of 2007.

The theater is currently leased to the Beach Theater Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to preserving the theater. The group is looking for a developer to buy the site and restore the historic theater complex.

Since the Ten Most Endangered program began, there have been six listings in Cape May County (status):

• 1995, Christian Admiral Hotel (gone forever)
• 1998, Cape May Historic District (not yet determined)
• 1999, Ocean City Life Saving Station (still endangered)
• 2001, New Jersey Shore Hotels (threatened)
• 2005, Wildwoods’ Doo Wop Historic Motel District (endangered)
• 2008, Beach Theater (endangered).

See the April 14 print edition of the Herald for the complete story.

Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com