Borough Administrator Robert Ferragina announced at last week’s meeting of the Mayor and Council that Bernie Sweeney Way along Simon Lake Drive will be officially signed and dedicated at a ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29.
The sign will be placed on the Simon Lake Drive sign at the end of First Avenue at at the harbor entrance near On the Deck Restaurant.
The governing body unanimously introduced the ordinance to honor the late Bernard Sweeny, owner with his wife, Kathleen, of the Shore Casino in the Harbor shortly after his death in February following an extended illness.
Mayor Loretta Gluckstein set the dedication date for June 29, which is Mr. Sweeney’s birthday.
Jay Strebb, general manager of the Casino owned by his mother, Kathleen announced that in honor of the occasion, the Shore Casino will be offering hot dogs in front of the Casino following the ceremony. “These were Bernie’s favorite food,” Strebb said, “ and at one time before he converted it to the grand Casino it is today, this building started out as a hot dog stand in the harbor, so it’s fitting we celebrate his birthday and this great occasion with hot dogs.” Light beverages will also be served, and Strebb said there will be other offerings within the Casino at the same time.
“I’m happy they are honoring Bernie with such a grand gesture,” said Kathleen Sweeney , his widow and owner of the Casino, “there is no doubt he loved the harbor and all the people he has met through this long alliance of more than 50 years. Jay and I feel so honored the Mayor and Council appreciate and love him so much that they have taken this step. We thank you all sincerely for friendship and the wonderful support Jay and I have had since Bernie’s death.”
