Newark News
What is Newark News? Well, it's a spot for me to put interesting news or other 'happenings' in Newark. It's sort of like a "blog", but you'll only find little interesting news or tidbits that effect the community of Newark, and/or people who live or lived on Wilbur Street. Enjoy!
ATO fraternity suspended
12:19 p.m., Feb. 2, 2005--The Epsilon Rho chapter of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity at the University of Delaware has been suspended by the University through spring 2009. As provided in city statutes, the city of Newark will close the house at 153 Courtney St., effective Tuesday, Feb. 8, and evict the residents.
According to Marilyn Prime, director of student centers at the University, the fraternity was found guilty of alcohol and safety violations. This decision was appealed and was upheld by the Student Judicial System.
ATO members were earlier informed that, if convicted, eviction by the city was probable. The students also were informed that UD’s Housing Assignment Services office would be available to assist fraternity members looking for on-campus or off-campus housing options for the spring semester.
Stone Balloon may make way for condos
Owner intends to submit plans to city
By MICHELE BESSO
The News Journal
09/18/2004
The Stone Balloon, a 30-year-old landmark on Newark's Main Street that has hosted Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen and Dave Matthews, may be closing soon.
Owner Jim Baeurle is investigating replacing the tavern and concert hall with a building that would include condominiums and retail businesses. He plans to submit a subdivision plan to the city within a few weeks, said Mark Sisk, his lawyer.
In the 1970s, the tavern was known as Newark's premier rock 'n' roll bar. It now books mostly local bands. "It's a nice place to go to see a band play, get a drink and unwind," said Stephen Gravley, 22, a University of Delaware senior. "It would be a real shame to see it go. When college is out, it's not as busy, but we always have a good time."
Baeurle and Sisk would not give details of the plan Friday. Sisk said the owners are seeking advice from engineers on the most feasible way to incorporate condominiums, retail and a package store in a new building. One possibility would involve keeping the facade of the existing building, which sits on about one acre.
The owners have discussed opening another tavern in New Castle County, but a suitable site has not been found, Sisk said.
"People have approached the Stone Balloon over the years with various projects," Sisk said. "Like all land owners, they'll listen to anyone who has a proposition. We are exploring the highest and best use of the property."
Baeurle, owner of the Stone Balloon for 11 years, said he has met informally with many of his employees individually, but not collectively, about the plan. Bauerle used to run the Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach with partners who included current owner Alex Pires.
Newark Planning Director Roy Lopata said he could not comment until plans were submitted. The earliest the planning commission could review plans would be Dec. 7. City Council would make the final decision on how the property could be used. "I've heard of ideas like this on and off for a decade now," Lopata said. "I never take that stuff too seriously until someone comes in with an application and a plan."
The Stone Balloon property is zoned for a nightclub/restaurant. New city regulations require a special-use permit for all downtown apartments, as well as subdivision approval and a parking waiver.
"A residential use downtown now gets closer scrutiny then it did in the past," Lopata said. "The applicant would have to demonstrate to council why this is something the city should approve."
The Stone Balloon's building at 115 E. Main St. is more than 100 years old and was formerly home to the Washington House Hotel.
Newark Mayor Vance Funk said he expects residents will be concerned about whether the outside of the Stone Balloon will remain the same and whether the plan reflects the proper use of the land. "I really want to see the final plans before I make up my mind," he said.
University of Delaware officials declined to comment.
Leon Barnett, general manager of Klondike Kate's on East Main Street, said he was surprised and saddened to hear that the Stone Balloon might close. He said he doesn't know how it would affect his business.
"I'm surprised that they're going that route," Barnett said. "I guess just being a tavern isn't as profitable as it used to be. The students will be disappointed because there are not a whole lot of places in Newark to go."
Bauerle said the volume of his business had nothing to do with his plans. He wouldn't elaborate on his sales.
Newark resident Megan Dalfovo, 23, a UD alumni who graduated last year, called the tavern "a Newark staple."
"It was knowing that every Thursday night was mug night and there would always be people there you know and you'd always have a good time," she said. "Everybody knows the Stone Balloon, even people who don't live near here."
The Stone Balloon was first opened by Bill Stevenson and celebrates its 30th anniversary this month. Acts through the years have included Hall & Oates, the Pointer Sisters, Hootie & the Blowfish and Barenaked Ladies.
Contact Michele Besso at 838-3187 or mbesso@delawareonline.com.