Cleanup begins. Sunday morning. by Prosper Bellizia. Blogfinger staff.
Ocean Grove citizen reporters (that includes all of you reading this): Please send Blogfinger news and photos related to this huge story. Speak to neighbors and share the quotes or even bits of news that we can run as a narrative below.
Send to Blogfinger@verizon.net People are interested in our community/hyperlocal news. Yesterday we had over 6,300 visits to BF from the US and 10 other countries.
Meanwhile, the APP has a very good followup story this morning. They report that dozens of people are homeless. Fundraiser at the Starving Artist. Here is the link with details:
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 8 NARRATIVE:
11 am: Spoke to Arnold Texiera at the Starving Artist, 47 Olin Street in Ocean Grove 07756. The fund raising idea is being developed, and details will be available tomorrow after he meets with the Camp Meeting Assoc and other organizers. Meanwhile, checks can be make out to the Starving Artist—write on the bottom “Fire Relief Fund.”
Noon. Moe Demby sends link for Starving Artist: Asbury Park Sun link
12:40 pm. Neighbors from brother city Asbury Park speak to Blogfinger’s Lee Morgan, “from the heart.” We have Nancy Sabino, owner of the Showroom Cinema and Ross Blanco from America’s Cup, both on Cookman Avenue:
3;27 PM: Michael Kalish photo of the sign at the Barbaric Bean. He peaked inside and only saw water on the floor.
Barbaric sign in the window of the Bean. By Michael Kalish. Blogfinger citizen photographer.
Monday morning from Helen Slocum: St Paul’s UMC is taking money donations through their Angel Fund. Make check to St. Pauls UMC and put Angel Fund/fire on message line.
Monday morning HOA:
Friday’s fire destroyed the homes and businesses of friends and neighbors. Lending a hand in time of trouble is in the DNA of Ocean Grove. Here’s how you can help:
Donate:
The Starving Artist is collecting cash donations. Arnold Texiera is working with the Ocean Grove Fire Department to coordinate collection and distribution.
Ocean Grove Trading Company is collecting donations of clothing for adults and children.
Show your appreciation for the Ocean Grove Fire Department by making a cash contribution to support its commitment to our community.
Donations to the American Red Cross help fund relief response to local emergencies.
Volunteer:
The Ocean Grove Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services welcome qualified volunteers.
Shop Local:
Show your support by shopping local merchants that are aiding the relief effort.
If You Know Someone Who Was Displaced by the Fire.
The Emporium will provide a winter coat, hat, hoodie, scarf and gloves to any victim of the fire.
Tom. As horrible as the fire is, it is up to news sources to initiate discussions that are related such as what will happen to the properties, fire prevention concerns, fire investigations, and even zoning and quality of life issues that will emanate from this situation. The fact is that people are thinking about these topics, so there is no reason not to bring them up in this format and at this time.
You won’t find these sorts of discussions about the Grove anywhere else but Blogfinger, and I know that many of our readers appreciate that approach.
It is not our intention to start “rumors,” and that has not been a consequence of our reporting ever. Our goal is to provide a community service for the Grove and an open forum for opinions as to how to make our town better. Sometimes that involves covering topics that might be uncomfortable for some. I respect the intelligence of our readers. And, if anything, our goal is to present facts in order to dispel rumors. If we make a mistake, we accept corrections.–Paul
St Paul’s UMC is taking money donations through their Angel Fund. Make check to St. Pauls UMC and put Angel Fund/fire on message line.
Paul,
The building is owned by a dear friend of mine. In addition to losing the building he lost a family business. Lets all take a step back before the next rumor is that the buildings are going to be replaced with a “Ye Olde Hooters”, an OTB parlor and a methadone clinic.
Tom Pritchard
DEVO: It would be good to know who the owners are of those buildings are and what the zoning is for that part of Main Ave. I guess it’s commercial, but the devil is in the details. Is rebuilding with stores at street level and apartments upstairs the only option under the zoning regs?
We should look out for zoning end-runs that might result in a redevelopment zone or a community shelter. And will the zoning allow condos for entire buildings, leaving out the stores? Will apartments there even be legal under zoning for the new buildings? Can an office building be built instead?
Considering the Mary’s Place sequence, the Neptune zoning officer won’t even think about this project officially until the property owners make application at Neptune’s Office of Land Use. However,the official assessment by zoning officials does not preclude meetings between them and developers beforehand, as occurred with Mary’s Place. All such meetings should be public.
And what if an owner wants a variance or wants to invoke some state zoning exception program? This open property can be standing around for a long while unless a smooth, noncontroversial process develops soon. That would be ideal.
Was/Were the owner(s) of the affected building(s) insured? Let’s hope so.
We need to restore the downtown as quickly as possible.
Terrific, thanks so much!
SHEILAH: I called them. Please see my noon note on BF Sunday narrative just posted. There will be more details available tomorrow. The organizers are having a meeting later today to work out the details. –Paul
Thanks – didn’t know they had a Facebook page. Will look there.
I would say to visit their Facebook page or call the restaurant on Olin Street. They did not share the details with us.
Paul