This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.
At its June 24 meeting, Lebanon City Council gave its blessing to the Lebanon Community Theater’s plans to sell alcoholic beverages on a one-year trial basis at performances in its city-owned theater at Stoever’s Dam Park.
But before any adult beverages are actually dispensed, the nonprofit theater group will have to obtain a Performing Arts Facility Restaurant License from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The special license, available since 2020, allows the sale of alcoholic beverages two hours before, during, and one hour after any performance, but not between 2 and 7 a.m. of any day.
Speaking at its June 20 pre-council planning meeting, Lebanon Community Theater (LCT) board member Hugh Rooney told council that it wants to sell cocktails at performances “primarily because we need money. The pandemic has not been good to us, and we’ve been struggling to survive as a result.”
“We see this avenue as an opportunity for us to really generate some cash flow,” Rooney said, “and allow us to focus on our mission, which is entertaining, educating, and enriching the lives of people.”
The community theater got its start in 1962, initially staging plays at the Lebanon Maennerchor Club and other local venues. Later that year, LCT purchased a building near 10th and Oak streets, operating there until it was destroyed by fire in 1971.
In 1975, the LCT moved to Stoever’s Dam theater, which has been its home since. A long-term lease with the city was renewed for 50 years in 2013. The theater group also leases two nearby buildings from the city for dressing rooms, storage, and offices.
Other city business
- Mayor Sherry Capello reported that through May 31, with the year 42% complete, city receipts and expenses were at 62% and 31%, respectively, of annual budget projections.
- Capello said she has appointed Christopher Fenstermaker to the city’s planning commission, effective June 18, through July 22, 2026. Fenstermaker is a building designer with Selah Design Services of Lebanon. He will complete the term of recently-resigned Joe Klein. The planning commission advises the city on zoning and land development matters.
- Capello said she has appointed Gregory Lee to the city’s Police Pension Fund Board, effective June 18, through Jan. 5, 2026. Lee is employed by Lebanon Federal Credit Union.
- Council approved, on first reading, a small amendment to the definitions in the city’s recycling ordinance. When passed in 2006, the definition of “high grade office paper” was not included. A recent review by the state Department of Environmental Protection noted the oversight.
Cumberland Street repaving update
In an email to LebTown, Mayor Capello said that the start of the long-awaited repaving of Cumberland Street (Route 422 westbound) from 5th Avenue west to the city line at 16th Street “is projected for the first week in August.” Capello noted that the installation of sidewalks and handicap ramps along Cumberland Street is not quite finished.
Capello said earlier this year that the 1.9 mile project is expected to be completed by October.
Next Lebanon City Council meetings
City Council’s next pre-council planning meeting will be on Thursday, July 18, at 4:45 p.m. The next regular monthly council meeting will be on Monday, July 22, at 6:30 p.m.
City Council meetings are open to the public. They are held in the City Hall multi-purpose room, 735 Cumberland St., first floor, Lebanon.
Meetings are also streamed live on YouTube, here.
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