No cost figure for arts center
BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer

EAST BRUNSWICK - Township officials are still awaiting a total cost figure for the community arts center.

Mayor William Neary had said he expected a cost figure for the facility to be presented at Monday's meeting, but no such number was given. The facility, to include an indoor theater and outdoor amphitheater, has been under construction at Heavenly Farms since last fall.

Township Administrator James White said Monday that the number is still being derived.

Resident Bernard Prohaska said he heard the number will be well over $4 million, but White said that is untrue.

The council has allocated $1.43 million for the facility to date.

Council President Catherine Diem told the Sentinel she would rather see an accurate figure presented than one that turns out to be wrong because it was released prematurely. Diem said she is more concerned with Playhouse 22 and its commitment to raising funds for its new theater in the community arts center. The group was displaced when the township sold its property on Dunhams Corner Road to developer Marshall Weinerman. The township is legally required to provide a new location. Diem said she wants to know if Playhouse 22 has a plan to contribute to the costs.

"I have yet to see them come forward with a viable, significant plan," she said.

Councilman David Stahl said he was disappointed that no cost figure was given. Stahl has been vocal in criticizing the way the facility has been handled. He speculated Tuesday that the administrationmay include more funding for the facility in this year's capital budget, which he expects to see next week.