HISTORY:
In 2006 the Neptune Township Planning Board made a controversial decision to designate the property just west of the boardwalk between Spray Avenue and Wesley Lake as blighted and “in need of redevelopment.”
The Camp Meeting Association, which owns this property, then proposed to build a hotel and a large condominium complex there. In 2008, after much debate, the Township Committee approved a plan, which was then challenged in court.
In October of 2010, the court suit was decided in favor of the Township, clearing the way for the project to proceed.
The next step – which is about to begin – is for Township officials (chiefly Committeeman Randy Bishop and Committeewoman Mary Beth Jahn) to negotiate with the developer a “Redeveloper Agreement,” which will spell out the fine details of the project.
THE PLAN’S PROVISIONS:
*Elements: a hotel, condos, a few single family detached homes, townhouses, retail commercial space
*Maximum number of hotel rooms allowed: 80
*Maximum number of residences of all types: 85
*Off-street parking requirements: one parking space per hotel room; approximately two spaces per condo unit (in compliance with RSIS standards); one space for each 300 square feet of banquet, conference or restaurant space in the hotel.
*Other parking requirements: Off-street parking for the hotel and residential structures must be below ground and sheltered from street view, although the below-ground lot or lots may rise a maximum of 3 ½ feet above street level. A maximum of 20 surface parking spaces are permitted for loading, valet and pickup/drop-off, provided that these spaces are screened from public view. Any existing on-street parking spaces eliminated due to the development must be compensated for with additional on-site spaces.
*Height limitations: Hotel may be no higher than 65 feet. Condo buildings may be no higher than 48 feet.
THE DEVELOPERS: – Co-developers are the Camp Meeting Association and a company headed by William Gannon of Ocean Grove.
My guess is that Gannon will be very slow to move on this, especially with the underground parking lot provision. I agree with the comment above that a development at this level of density is absurd (who came up with this number of rooms/condos?). We absolutely do not want or need more hotel rooms and condos in OG. They should simply build 25 very nice homes on double lots with driveways and then make the rest a park. This would be very viable commercially and would keep things in character with the community.
One very important point is that CMA must assure that Gannon is required to complete the work once initiated. This means that he puts up a bond — as we do not want to be in a situation like AP where half-built hulks are abandoned due to lack of market demand for housing (ask Jack Greene how easy it is to sell an Ocean Pathway condo).
I have mixed emotions. If they are done well, and the parking requirements are enforced, then I say, the more, the merrier. It should be good for business, and, at the heart of the matter, that’s what any beach community needs.
This is so unfair. The town is so overrun already during the summer. Even residents can’t enjoy their own beach. The whole atmosphere has changed….. Adding 85 more rooms/condos? The town cannot handle more people. All the quaintness and serenity left over the past couple of years, and this will only make it more like Belmar, Seaside, etc.