KAREN VIBERT-KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette The area of the proposed pavilion at Przziosi Park in Newberry on Tuesday.

An 11th-hour switch from a pavilion to a portable stage and park by the city’s former mayor in Newberry Park will require a meeting with City Council to describe the proposal.

Former Mayor Phillip Preziosi altered the plan for a pavilion, which he said Tuesday during council’s public works committee meeting he never wanted, to a stage that can be stored inside the Newberry Lions building and a permanent concrete pad on which to put the stage for entertainment purposes.

The pavilion concept led to the distribution of a neighborhood petition signed by several people.

Preziosi was aware of the petition and said he is looking for a more flexible concept that might be supported by neighbors.

Joseph Gerardi, city codes administrator, said he couldn’t comment because of the last second change.

“It is going to be a process,” said Councilwoman Bonnie Katz, committee chairwoman.

“There are probably 5,000 people in the neighborhood,” Preziosi said. “About 50 are opposed,” he said, calling them the “4,000-plus silent majority.”

However, Councilman Don Noviello said he’s heard from numerous sources and through discussions, letters, email and text who said they don’t want the pavilion or stage facing their houses for fear of possible crime, loitering, teenage sexual and illegal behavior and a return to the 10-to-12 years ago when the park was a hangout for drug dealers and users.

“This isn’t a council plan,” he said. “I represent the taxpayers. It could be a workable plan but I haven’t heard any support.”

“Don’t disregard the silent majority,” Preziosi said.

As he exited City Hall, Preziosi said he felt comfortable with the change to a portable stage with a concrete pad.

“We will have a meeting with council to fully explain the design,” he said.