Measure would permit alcohol at arts center BY DAN NEWMAN Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN - For years, township residents waited for the Banfield Cultural Arts Center to open its doors, and they got their wish back in March. Now, one avenue that the Township Committee wants to use to raise funds for the center is facing some opposition. The committee was expected to vote on an ordinance Monday night that would allow alcohol to be served on the grounds of the center, only during fundraising events. Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger said Monday afternoon that, if the ordinance was passed allowing for this, precautions would be taken in order to protect Middletown from any liabilities. "Once people have a greater understanding that it will be only limited to fundraising events and that we wouldn't have an open-bar type of atmosphere, and that we'd only be doing this at a wine-and-cheese type of party, then they will have a better understanding of the whole process and they're OK with what we're trying to do," Scharfenberger said. At least one township resident is not pleased with the proposition of alcohol being served on public grounds, contending that the primary purpose of the arts center is to service children in the community. "I feel like instead of trying to fundraise with alcohol, the committee ought to look at those who may be willing to make donations to the center. It's a much safer way of making money," said Patricia Walsh, a Middletown Board of Education member and Democratic candidate for Assembly. "We should be working to educate the youth on alcohol abuse, not showing them that it's OK. We've had issues with alcohol in the past and this is not a good way of fundraising at all." "Underage and irresponsible drinking is something government is trying to fight on every level. The fact that the Middletown [Township] Committee is creating an environment where alcohol can be used on public grounds, and possibly abused, is an incredibly bad idea," Walsh said. Walsh also suggested that, if the township is going to allow alcohol in public venues, it should be done at catering halls, where it is more widely accepted. She said the public shouldn't need alcohol to donate to an establishment like the arts center. Scharfenberger made mention of a precedent set in Atlantic Highlands at the Shore Casino, which serves alcohol and is municipally owned. "For us to serve alcohol at the arts center, it wouldn't be the first time that it would happen on public grounds within our township," said Scharfenberger, who stated that the library upon occasion has served alcohol during certain functions." Walsh feels that the township would be "venturing into the alcohol and entertainment business with this move." "Government should be in the essential services business to residents, not show business," Walsh said.