Image from the Jersey Shore Arts Center web site. No date given.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

We learned last week that a letter had been sent from a CMA lawyer to Herb Herbst who runs the Arts Center under the auspices of the Ocean Grove Historical Preservation Society, a non profit group which was established in1997. (It should not be confused with the Ocean Grove Historical Preservation Commission which is a watchdog committee that is part of the Neptune Township efforts to maintain our historic designation in the town of Ocean Grove.)

Evidently the original 19th century deal between the CMA and the Neptune Board of Education had a revert clause that would allow the property to be returned to the CMA if the usage was not for public education. The CMA supposedly is now asserting that the Arts Center is not fulfilling that purpose and they are interested in obtaining the land and premises back under their control.

However, we have not seen the wording of the agreement, and it appears that the definition of “education” is at the heart of the dispute.

Herb Herbst refused to talk to Blogfinger on the grounds that the situation was “too delicate,” but he did give a quote to the Coaster that the CMA has “overstepped their bounds.”

According to the Arts Center lawyer, who did speak to Blogfinger, this situation now consists merely of an exchange of letters, and no lawsuits have been filed. We have seen none of the letters.

The CMA trustees have asked for the opportunity to tour the Arts Center, and Mr. Weber told us that Mr. Herbst was fine with that.

We contacted the CMA, but no information has been forthcoming.

Here is a timeline:

1. 1897:  The CMA offers a leasehold agreement to the Neptune Twp. Board of Ed. to make use of the property for education.

2. 1898 :  Neptune High School is built on the property at Main and Main.

3. 1980:  Neptune High School closes its doors. Building progressively decays  into the 1990’s.

4. 1994:  The idea of turning the building into an arts center was developed by Herb Herbst with the help of State Sen. Joe Palaia. The Ocean Grove Historical Preservation Commission was formed to implement the arts project and they knew that the building had to be used for education. Herbst told Blogfinger in 2009 that he was aware of the revert clause.  The Board of Ed. turned the property over to the Arts Center founders.

According to Herbst, the group received its non-profit tax exempt status by partnering for one month with the OG Fishing Club. He said that certain Ocean Grove organizations refused to help him. He credits the Chamber of Commerce and the Camp Meeting Association with being supportive.

Herbst is the President and CEO of the arts center. There is a board of trustees and a lady’s auxiliary.

5.  Over the years a great deal of money was raised along with the sweat equity provided by many volunteer workers. The building was in terrible condition in 1994, but it has now been restored, adding millions of dollars to its value.

The JSAC is busy offering crafts, art classes, dance lessons, shows, concerts and a soon to be opened culinary school.

Meanwhile, there are a number of fascinating and unique aspects to this story, not the least of which is the question of why the Camp Meeting Association is now reaching for this property. Speculation has already begun, but let’s see what emerges.