Donations Might Be Written in Stone

The City Council tonight will consider designating honors, such as light posts named for donors, to boost fund raising for the new city pier.

The proposals call for a Donor Recognition Program to raise the remaining $1.8 million needed for the overall $8.5-million cost of the pier construction.

The old pier, closed since July, 1988, is being demolished. Construction on a new pier is set to begin next month, and private donors so far have given about $1 million.

Deputy City Administrator Richard Barnard, in a report to the council, urged it to designate special honors for various categories of donors:

Donors of $100,000 or more would be recognized by having their names placed on a special kiosk on the new pier. Persons or companies giving more than $25,000 would have a light post on the new pier named in their honor; a bronze plaque at the base of the light pole would name the donor.

Those giving $5,000 or more would have engraved brass markers with their names placed on the walkway on the pier.

People or companies giving $1,000 or more would receive “personalized mementos” and would become members of the Millennium Club. Those giving $100 or more would receive a certificate of appreciation and would become members of the Century Club.

Barnard said the recognitions would be in addition to existing honors given to pier donors.