By Luke Anderson landerson@post-journal.com
 | | The Village Casino in Bemus Point may be getting a makeover this year as operator Steven Carlson has some capital improvement projects planned.
P-J photo by Luke Anderson | | 4/21/2008 - BEMUS POINT — A 78-year-old Bemus Point institution may be getting a makeover this year, but village board members expressed concerns about the proposed renovations.
Steven Carlson, operator of the Village Casino, briefed village board members Tuesday on his plans for the upcoming season. The centerpiece of the renovation scheme is a new bar. The main part of the bar would be inside the restaurant, with a small section on the outside.
The outdoor section of the bar would have two seats, and would replace some of the tables that are there now.
"We would actually lose some seating, but the issue is more service,'' Carlson said.
He said he has received some complaints about slow service on the deck. Right now, servers need to go all the way through the restaurant to get beverages.
The outdoor bar would cut the trip time significantly. Carlson also said the new bar would help with security by dividing crowds and reducing the congestion at the existing bar.
Carlson plans to create a "tiki bar'' feel for the outdoor portion of the bar, with a thatched roof and similar accoutrements.
"We just want to create a fun atmosphere,'' Carlson said.
Board members, though, were reluctant to greenlight the plans without further discussion. Specifically, they were concerned about the possibility of added noise and the visibility of alcohol.
"Will there be alcohol bottles visible at this outdoor bar?'' trustee David Lipsey asked.
Carlson responded there would be no more visible alcohol than would be at one of the tables on the deck.
"I'm worried about all the noise from inside if this is an open bar,'' trustee Christine Wight said.
The casino has received some noise complaints in the past, an issue that was largely rectified by putting an automatic closer on the outside door.
Carlson said he had not considered the noise issue, but would be open to suggestions on how to amend the plans to alleviate it. Ms. Wight proposed a work session to further discuss the issue.
Carlson also plans to replace the bar room floor, install vinyl siding on the ferry and old beach side of the building, extend the fence on the north wall and plant more flowers around the front door.
The casino will also introduce some new menu items this year.
"We're not looking to upscale it a bunch, just knock it up a notch,'' Carlson said.
The casino will open for its summer season on May 9.
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