By Charles Layton
14 Spray is on the list of Ocean Grove's "key structures." Photo by Charles Layton
It looks like the run-down house at 14 Spray Avenue will have to be torn down.
Neptune Township’s head of code and construction, Bill Doolittle, has condemned the property, and according to Committeewoman Mary Beth Jahn the Township Committee will soon hold a demolition hearing.
Neighbors have been complaining about the state of this derelict home since at least 2009. For the past year the Township has sought to induce the absentee owner to correct long-standing code violations. Despite limited funds, the owner has struggled to comply with various code department and court orders.
The house, built in 1895, is one of Ocean Grove’s “key structures,” meaning it is listed in the Township’s Master Plan as being of special architectural and historical importance. Although some cosmetic improvements have been made, the house is said to be in very bad condition on the inside.
First, regarding 14 Spray, yes, some of the needed structural deficiencies were addressed. *Some.* Not all. Not enough to make the house safe for occupancy, and definitely not enough to keep the structure from being a fire and collapse hazard to its immediate neighbors.
Some people may feel that the Township’s actions are unfair, but I ask you this: if a fire or collapse injured or, God forbid, took the life of a neighbor of a building in this condition, would this action still be unfair? This is the question that weighs on the shoulders of Township professionals and committee people with every derelict building.
Sometimes, owners bite off more than they can chew when it comes to restoring a dilapidated building. Certainly, the economic crisis has played a huge part in why some owners have been unable to complete needed repairs. Other owners have faced family tragedies and other personal circumstances that have prevented them from fulfilling their renovations. In the end, though, human life safety has to outweigh the importance of a dilapidated structure.
Neptune Township does not have the financial or moral responsibility to make repairs to a dilapidated, deteriorated privately-owned property. If the Township undertook some of these projects, we would see double-digit tax increases that would be extremely difficult to justify, even if the Township took title to the building. If a group of citizens wanted to start a non-profit conservancy to try to preserve dilapidated historic buildings using donated dollars, they are free to do so.
Are there grants out there to help owners preserve deteriorated historic buildings? Hmm….
The Township is always extremely reluctant to demolish someone’s property, and the law makes it almost impossible to do that capriciously. Look how long the Township has tried to work with the Koplitzes on saving the Park View Inn. The Township wrestled the Koplitzes into a court agreement to rehab that building, although if the Koplitzes renege, the Park View could end up being demolished as well. (My guess is that it will be.)
It is the Township Committee that must decide to order a demolition. I believe the Committee will first hold a hearing at which testimony can be offered, pro and con. If 14 Spray is not truly dangerous to health and safety, evidence of that can be presented.
When that hearing occurs, we will cover it. But also, interested parties, including neighbors, should try to be present and testify if they so choose. We’ll make sure to post a notice of the hearing on this site.
Blogfinger has now published too many reports about derelict houses to count, and we know that at least one member of the Township Committee reads them. What we don’t know–what I would really like to know–is why the Township has not scheduled a single discussion or workshop meeting to explore what can be done to prevent the loss of any more of Ocean Grove’s architectural heritage.
When a structure starts leaning dangerously toward a neighboring house something is definitely not right!
I live down the block from 14 Spray Ave. and I know and have seen what transpired there.
The owner was first told when she purchased the home she needed a new foundation and some structural support which the contractor then completed. Then she was told by the Township that she had to change all the windows that were broken, and she did that plus additional windows.
The Zoning board approved her porches. Then the Township goes and condemns her home.
Does this seem logical to you after this women had spent tens of thousands doing as she was asked?
I think that something is not right.
I have an idea, let the Campground take back any condemned properties and put them back to tents!!!
14 Spray was purchased in 2000 for $195,000. I do not and have not seen it listed on MLS, Zillow or RealtyTrak as available for sale. Here’s your chuckle for the day: 14 Spray’s estimated value right now, based on comparisons to properties of similar size and location in Ocean Grove, is $568,000.
Yes. Very sad especially since the Zoning Board approved her porches. Now Mr. Doolittle tells her it’s condemned after he made her spend thousands on previous repairs. Someone hasn’t done there homework.
Was it ever listed with a realtor for sale?
Maybe a local entrepreneur will come to the rescue, Is that wishful thinking?
Very, very sad. Hopefully a lovely single family replaces it, not more condos sans parking.
just sad…