Photos by Jack Fichter

Demolition permit from City of Cape May

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CAPE MAY — It was the last picture show for the Beach Theatre on Mon., Sept. 26 after the City of Cape May Construction Office issued to its owner Frank Investments, a permit to demolish the structure

Crews begin the demolition Monday afternoon. Only the auditorium portion of the theater will be removed.

“It’s a very sad day for Cape May and for preservation,” Beach Theatre Foundation President Steve Jackson told the Herald. “The city government has to be held responsible.”

He said as much as he disagreed with the theater’s owner’s, Frank Investments, he understood it from a business point-of-view.”
“I vehemently disagree and but I understand,” said Jackson.

He said he was “extremely surprised” the city’s management and government would let the demolition take place.

“Because in a town that is supposed to embrace preservation, they are slapping preservation in the face,” said Jackson.

He said the foundation knew the theater had historic value but more importantly it was the last movie theater in Cape May and was a “community gathering place.”
Losing a movie theater is not something for the city to be proud of, said Jackson.
He said sending folks to Rio Grande to see a movie does not help the retail community or provide taxes or jobs in Cape May.

Jackson said it was disgraceful for a shore community, a town with a boardwalk, not to have a movie theater.

“The way I look at it right now is the city tore that building down,” he said. “They are the ones that allowed this to happen.”

The foundation borrowed $100,000 from the City of Cape May. Jackson said the organization is dependent on those who made pledges to back up the loan for repayment.
He said he signed a sizable pledge against the loan and would stand behind it.

“I don’t think the city should have any fear that those who pledged their money will not pay it back when it starts to become due a year from now,” said Jackson.

The foundation also owes legal fees for a lawsuit against Frank Investments and an intervention filing in Superior Court, he said.

“We still think there is a place for a movie theater in Cape May, obviously, sadly it’s not the Beach Theatre,” said Jackson.

He said the foundation would hold a yard sale in October featuring memorabilia to help pay off legal fees.