Officer hopes to build waterfront amphitheater Going ahead with plan would require removing gazebo at Keyport park BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer ERIC SUCAR staff If Capt. Thomas Mitchell gets his way, the Mini Park on West Front Street will be transformed into a multitiered amphitheater, eliminating the need for a gazebo. KEYPORT - Plans are in the works for the borough's very own mini "Mt. Mitchell" scenic overlook. Police Capt. Thomas Mitchell has announced a proposal to build an outdoor amphitheater at the Mini Park on West Front Street. According to Mitchell, funding has already been secured through the Keyport Business Alliance (KBA) to transform the park into a multitiered theater that faces down a sharp slope toward the waterfront. Mitchell wears two hats in town: as the department's highest ranking police officer and as owner of TNT Health Club, a gym located at 22 W. Front St. Because the amphitheater would only require pouring concrete slabs, the officer said he doubts it will cost very much to build. KBA President Art Olsen estimated the cost at somewhere under $18,000. There's only one slight problem: the gazebo. Capt. Thomas Mitchell The park is currently home to a relatively new gazebo and a street-facing amphitheater. In order to reverse the theater's view, the gazebo must be removed. "There's a place for that gazebo someplace," Olsen said Friday. "Obviously, we're not going to turn around and cut it up." Built just over a year ago, the gazebo became a source of controversy last year when delays and constructions costs became more than anticipated. Still, Mitchell and Olsen believe residents would prefer a waterfront-facing amphitheater. Mitchell admits removing the gazebo will be tough, but said Pederson's Marina owner Wade Pederson has agreed to help get it done. Aside from physically removing the structure, another obstacle remains: the task of actually convincing the borough to allow him to do it. With architectural drawings and engineering specs in hand, Mitchell plans to present his idea at the next Borough Council meeting, scheduled for May 21. "That's the ultimate plan," Olsen said. "But we can't do too much until the town decides what to do with the bulkhead." For years, the borough has been planning to redesign the waterfront. The latest design calls for removing American Legion Drive and the adjoining gravel parking lot to entirely to make room for a park. No matter what happens, "It doesn't make a lot of sense to have the gazebo blocking the view of the water," Olsen said Mitchell said the new amphitheater would be ideal for outdoor movies and summer concerts, and Olsen agrees. "To me, that's much more preferable to closing Front Street and having the concerts in the streets," Olsen said. Confident of gaining the borough's approval, Mitchell is eager to complete the project in time for the summer. Is that really possible? "I guess so, but you know the way things move in Keyport," Olsen said. "But yes, it's doable." Overall, Olsen is pleased by Mitchell's enthusiasm for the job. "I think it's fantastic," Olsen said. "It's just a gorgeous spot there and I can see us doing some major promotions there. Talk about the perfect panoramic view. With the boats behind on the water in the summer evenings, I think that would be phenomenal."