Ocean Grove’s Wesley Lake will form part of the North End Redevelopment zone. Photo by Paul Goldfinger, 2012. © Click to enlarge.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.
Steve Valk’s letter to the editor speaks about the idea of Ocean Grove as a community of multiple vertically integrated parts which he has analyzed for us in prior interviews. (Steve Valk on the OG community. LINK: BF conversation with social scientist Steve Valk)
He and I both agree that our town is unique and needs to be appreciated for its fascinating components, one of which is the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA).
The role of the OGCMA in this community is basically a positive influence, despite what some cynics say. We had a fire last week, and the welcome mat was immediately rolled out at the Youth Temple as well as providing other services such as fund raising for the Fire Relief fund. The CMA has a track record of emergency relief and charitable efforts. They reached out to the various town civic groups in a big way after Sandy, and that effort has been remarkable and has benefitted us all.
But, from a wider perspective, what do they view as their place in the overall community of Ocean Grove? What about now, with the North End Redevelopment looming in the future? We have heard little from them on this subject.
What does the CMA think about the effects their North End project will have on everyone who calls Ocean Grove home? The CMA did create the town in 1869, so do they really want the North End to become Asbury Park South? The indications suggest that they do, because they have stuck to their plan which was originated in 2008 and unchanged since then.
Sure, there is the history of the old North End amusement/hotel/recreation area, and that “old fashioned” North End may be a precedent, but is it historic? If history is their argument, then maybe they should look at the earliest park-like setting over there which contained tents and trees for perhaps 30 or 40 years after the founding.
The old North End Hotel was torn down in 1978, and this “area in need of redevelopment” has been essentially unchanged since then. The CMA had to turn over control of the North End Development to Neptune Township, but as land owner and co-developer, it certainly has influence over what happens in the future.
Some citizens believe that the CMA should worry about the effects that the 2008 North End design will have on Ocean Grove’s appearance, safety, parking, lifestyle, etc. Because the CMA tends not to go public with such concerns, we don’t know how they feel about it, and the final plans are incomplete. If there are Grovers who believe that the CMA should change its mind about the project, then they should write to them or meet with them.
Sometime, commenters on Blogfinger want the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association to get involved with more general issues in town such as historic preservation and derelict housing. The basis for that belief seems to mostly stem from the land ownership issue and historic relationships.
But the CMA is a private organization that already does a great deal for the town. Isn’t it unfair to expect more from them?
—–Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
AIR SUPPLY: “Lost in Love.”
As owners of the land and the leases, CMA is very responsible for land use issues, including run- down houses. If in fact, they abdicate their authority and do not want this role, then I want to know why they continue to own the land?
If they choose to do nothing, then they should allow homeowners to buy the land on their lots. How about that as an idea? If they did that, they would make a fortune. They could then reinvest that in the town and make it amazing — e.g., redo all the sidewalks, plant trees, fix fountains, replace the street lights with nice Victorian ones where ugly ones now stand, build better bathroom facilities, build an amazing pier……
Owning the land would make our houses easier to sell as the current system is problematic for some in terms of getting a mortgage and it’s just generally a weird arrangement that turns many buyers off.
Am I alone in this view?
According to the Ocean Grove United which attended the Community Leaders Meeting of the CMA on Feb 10, this is what the CMA said about the NERP:
“North End Development – Preliminary discussions with the developer (WAVE) are underway. The plans remain the same as originally presented, including underground parking.”
Until they decide what to do with the North End, they should really think about opening it up to parking temporarily, I checked around, and they should be able to park 300 cars on 2 acres of that land, get $10-12 a day, plus probably sell more beach passes, sounds like a win to me. I would rather a park and/or single family houses, but till then, why not earn some money and help parking issues in town!!
I know they say that it is not safe, but they drive dumpster trucks and forklifts over it all of the time.
If I’m coming to the Grove in the middle of the tourist season I would prefer not to get in that circus of parading automobiles looking for a space to park. It worth $10 – $12 for the day to park, and if that North End ever gets the parking facility, I and my kids will spend more time on the beach and in town.
There really is no other choice. The CMA wins and your visitors win. Otherwise would appreciate a sign at Main and Broadway letting everyone know the circus is in town and would make the U for Bradley and points South.
Judging from the 2008 plan, I would wager that the CMA is looking at the North End primarily as a source of revenue. They obviously understand that what was originally proposed in 2008 would be detrimental to OG — especially folks who live up by the redevelopment zone. Yet, they still, apparently, supported the plan. Why? Follow the money……