Another brass ring is within Keyport’s grasp

The opportunity merry-go-round is coming up on another brass ring for Keyport’s governing body to stretch for and successfully grasp. It’s called "bed & breakfast," and Keyport is in the right place at the right time — if the ring can be snatched. Reliable sources whisper that an informed and experienced borough official is presently writing a proposed ordinance which, if adopted by the mayor and council, will at last allow the introduction of bed and breakfast establishments into Keyport. The housing stock on such major streets as Main, Front and First provide wonderful opportunities for this new commerce in Keyport. Major multi-family residences, if modified to fulfill the state’s guidelines for bed and breakfasts, would add a new dimension and vitality to our town’s streetscapes and provide a new grade of shoppers to our diminishing antique shops and other businesses.

Lest the naysayers garble the concept with "no S.R.O.’s in my back yard" plaque cards, the proposed ordinance would include a guarantee that if a bed and breakfast failed, the residence would immediately revert to a single-family residence.

The more noteworthy challenge will be whether the mayor and council can see all the advantages of this forthcoming proposal and "grasp the ring" by approving the ordinance. It is reasonable to suggest that the next six months will determine the "pass" or "fail" of this energized initiative. All those who work to see Keyport succeed as a lively community and business district, whether they are paid or volunteer, anxiously stand near the spinning carousel and watch each governing body member’s hand reach for this special ring.

Sidney Becnel

Keyport