Collingswood’s historic theater debate | Inquirer South Jersey
And booze will be on the ballot in November.
Good morning, South Jersey. More rain is expected to arrive, most likely in the afternoon.
The finances of a historic Collingswood theater have led to a heated conflict over who runs it and who’s responsible for footing the bill.
And in November, the residents of the same borough will settle a separate debate: Lift its liquor ban or keep its centuries-old status as a dry town.
Plus, the U.S. Justice Department is accusing a New Jersey family of using several hotels that are in poor condition to fraudulently obtain loans in a $100 million Ponzi scheme, and more news of the day.
— Taylor Allen (southjersey@inquirer.com)
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There’s a chaotic debate in Collingswood with the Scottish Rite Theater at the center.
Collingswood is looking to transfer management of the theater to Camden County after paying millions in expenses to keep it afloat in recent years, particularly since the pandemic.
Commissioner Jim Maley, a former mayor, cofounded the nonprofit that manages the Scottish Rite property, Collingswood Foundation for the Arts, in 1999. The foundation, according to Maley, was created to secure arts grants for the borough.
It has routinely received funds without pushback.
But now, the public is demanding answers. They want to know who actually runs it, if it’s even part of the borough, and why taxpayers are paying for it if it’s not.
Reporter Sarah Nicell explains what led to this moment.
This November, Collingswood voters will decide if the borough will lift its ban on alcohol sales.
The borough’s board of commissioners passed a resolution Wednesday to add the question to the general election ballot after years of debate over its long-standing dry-town status.
If voters lift the ban, that means Collingswood could either:
🍷 Award licenses in a bidding process, which would mean onetime revenue for the borough’s budget.
Or:
🍷 Enact an application and review process that would require annual fees and prospective licensees to make public presentations.
How much could this generate for the borough?
The Inquirer’s Lacey Latch has that answer and more.
What to know today
The Justice Department is accusing a New Jersey-based father, son, and other family members who own several hotels of a $100 million Ponzi scheme that lasted more than 30 years. The lawsuit alleges they used hotels in chronic disrepair and various business entities to fraudulently obtain government-secured loans.
A skunk found in Cherry Hill has tested positive for rabies, according to Camden County officials and the state health department. Officials advise residents to avoid direct contact with unfamiliar animals and to make sure pets are up to date on vaccinations.
According to a Morning Consult poll, Gov. Mikie Sherrill is one of the country’s most popular governors: She is in a four-way tie for 12th with a 55% approval rating versus a 30% disapproval. South Jersey Democrat U.S. Sen. Andy Kim has a 49% approval versus a 27% disapproval.
Evesham Road will be closed between Black Horse Pike and Schubert Avenue from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Friday, according to Gloucester Township Police.
A proposed plan for a Royal Greens Mini Golf in Barrington would include the demolition of a dilapidated building, 42 Freeway reports.
Yhanne’s House of Cheesecakes is set to open a second location in Mount Laurel this fall, according to South Jersey Food Scene.
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🗓️ The best things to do this week
😂 Laugh at Your Expense with Joe Bartnick: Joe Bartnick headlines this comedy show fresh off appearances on Netflix’s Old Dads and Bill Burr: Friends Who Kill. Other performers include Steve Trevelise from New Jersey 101.5 and rising comic Andy Picarro. ⏰ Thursday, Aug. 20, 7:30-9:30 p.m. 💵 $30 📍 The Broadway Theatre of Pitman, 43 S. Broadway, Pitman.
📚 Philly Bookstore Crawl: The annual book crawl is back. More than 50 participating independent bookstores in the Greater Philadelphia area, including Kiss & Tale in Collingswood, will host special events with discounted sales, giveaways, author signings, and more. ⏰ Saturday, Aug. 22, various times 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Kiss & Tale, 688 Haddon Ave. Floor 1, Collingswood and Inkwood Books, 106 Kings Hwy. E, Haddonfield.
🎉 Women’s Equality Day Festival: The fest is back for its fifth year featuring craft vendors, live music, performances, and family-friendly activities. The Alice Paul Center for Gender Justice hosts at historic Paulsdale, the birthplace of the women’s rights activist and suffragist. ⏰ Saturday, Aug 22, 1-5 p.m. 💵 Pay as you go 📍 Paulsdale, 128 Hooton Rd., Mount Laurel.
🧠 Trivia time
Actress Cristin Milioti from Cherry Hill won her first Emmy for what role?
A) Sofia Falcone in The Penguin
B) Tracy McConnell in How I Met Your Mother
C) Teresa Petrillo in The Wolf of Wall Street
D) Catherine Sacrimoni in The Sopranos
Think you know? Check your answer.
What we’re ...
🍿 Playing: 76 seconds with Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II from the movie By Any Means.
🏠 Ogling: A brick twin with a century-old boxwood hedge in Burlington City. (Is your house a Haven? Nominate your home by email — and send some digital photographs — via properties@inquirer.com.)
📺 Setting up: Outdoor TV entertainment for viewing parties.
Stay cool out there. I’ll catch you tomorrow. 👋🏽
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