Alcohol Vote

Morey's one vote from OK on alcohol
By TRUDI GILFILLIAN Staff Writer, (609) 463-6716
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Friday, June 16, 2006
Updated: Friday, June 16, 2006

NORTH WILDWOOD — The Morey Organization is one vote away from the last approval it needs to sell alcoholic beverages at its 25th Avenue water park.

Late Wednesday night, the city's Planning Board approved a conditional use permit that would allow the pier operator to serve alcohol at the new Ocean Oasis Waterpark and Beach Club formerly known as Raging Waters.

In a 6-1 vote, the board found the company met the conditions of an ordinance approved by City Council last month.

The ordinance requires that alcoholic drinks be served in designated areas and that a water park management plan be submitted. The plan must demonstrate that “alcoholic beverages shall be served in a controlled, dignified and upscale manner.”

Attorney Stephen Nehmad, representing the Morey Organization, said the company has met those and other requirements to develop a resort that is modern and competitive with other destinations.

Much of Wednesday's hearing focused on the location of one of three areas that will serve alcoholic drinks and whether it was actually part of the water park.

The company plans to serve drinks at two places in the lower, or attraction, level and at a third location on an elevated platform, or observation area, that offers views of the park below and the ocean.

Waterpark visitors must pay admission to get on the rides and attractions at the lower level, but entry to the upper deck does not require a paid waterpark admission.

Opponents say that is because the observation deck is not a part of the park.

“The bar on the observation deck is nothing more than a free-standing bar,” said Kathy Martin, an independent City Council candidate and longtime opponent of the plan.

Under Planning Board guidelines, Martin was questioned by Camden County attorney Stuart Platt, who said he represented Martin and the group she formed known as Families Opposing Waterpark Liquor.

“We do not believe the observation level is part of the waterpark,” Platt said.

Denise Beckson, director of water park operations, and other Morey representatives disputed that claim.

“That level is vital to our operation,” Beckson said.

Morey's planner Clark Doran said the deck would be home to the Oasis Cafe, which will have a small bar and seating for 93 patrons. In the past, he said, the deck was used by visitors who wanted to get away from the noise and activity going on below.

“It's all part of the water park to us,” Doran said.

He continued, “The alcoholic beverage service ... is a minor part of the whole package.” Doran noted the new park's other features such as private cabanas and organized children's activities.

Others said they opposed the process and said the improvements to the water park were done without the proper permits. Nehmad said the Morey Organization had operated above board obtaining permits as required by the city.

The board members said they had confidence in the Morey family and its operations.

Board member Bill Green said he was impressed with the company's management plan, which designated how alcohol would be controlled at the water park.

“Alcohol can be served responsibly if the proper protocols are in place,” Green said.

Chairman Charles Brackett, who voted against the conditional use permit, said he didn't think alcohol service would be a problem, but he felt he had been misled.

Initially, representatives of the company said access to areas serving alcohol would require an admission ticket, he said.

“What they presented is not what we started out with,” Brackett said.

Next, the Morey Organization must get a place-to-place liquor license transfer, and if that is approved, it will then be able to serve alcoholic drinks.

City Council President Patrick Rosenello said Thursday that the matter is on the agenda for the next Alcoholic Beverage Control Board/ City Council meeting starting at 7 p.m. June 20.

The company plans to sell beer, wine and tropical drinks between the hours of 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. The water park is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in season, Beckson said.

Ocean Oasis is opening this weekend without alcoholic drink service. If the ABC board approves the license transfer, drink service should begin by the end of the month.

To e-mail Trudi Gilfillian at The Press:Gilfillian@pressofac.com