Ocean Grove 2011. Blogfinger photo.
A parking solution: Trade in your Prius and get one of these.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
For years the Home Groaners Association resisted the pleas of citizens to once again bring up the subject of a parking plan that would benefit the residents of Ocean Grove. They used to have a parking committee, but it was a failure and then it fell asleep like Rip Van Winkle.
In recent years, we have had many ideas suggested on Blogfinger indicating that there might be a solution that would offer some relief in town for the tax payers, but the township ignored us and so did the HGA which, after all, takes its marching orders from Randy Bishop. OK so we brought it up again–so what? Did your kids or spouse ever get their way by nagging? One time we asked the Township to reconsider meters, and Mary Beth had a temper tantrum and called me a “pot stirrer.” a nickname I cherish.
Now we learn that that the HOA will again establish a parking committee, but let’s hope that they plan to take a partisan position (and that position is not bend over and touch your toes) in demanding that the Township finally do something useful for us. This information was leaked by Ken Buckley, one of the silent minority who populate the HGA board.
And if the HGA does acquire the nerve, they might demand that the North End Plan be junked permanently—period!
BURT LAHR, JUDY GARLAND, RAY BOLGER, and JACK HALEY “If I Only Had the Nerve.”
As a resident who lives one block from the beach and one block from the auditorium, parking for me is a problem during peak seasons. In addition, I work many weekends. And yes, I sometimes have to park blocks away from my home. Do I complain? No. Would I want to have parking meters just because most towns do? No. It’s not what makes OG such a unique and charming town. Does anyone think that installing parking meters would help our situation anyway? I think not. It’s a safe bet that any revenues generated from meters by the township would ever make it’s way back to Ocean Grove. It’s about time we get over it and accept it for what it is, a small price to pay for living in this beautiful beach town.
Joe: I recall from prior discussions that there was opposition without much substance. The only substantive argument then was that the meters were ugly and not Victorian looking. But now, of course, there are no individual meters, just occasional pay stations and some numbers painted by the curb. (as you can see in Asbury Park). Even the fact that millions of dollars are being made in AP didn’t convince the Township.
Can someone please explain why everyone is against meters? I cant think of any other shore town that doesnt have them.
I don’t know about all of that….but I DO want one of those bras!
OhGee: Sorry: My contribution is in providing Ocean Grove with information and a forum for discussion. In other words I am a journalist and a pot stirrer, not an activist.
Surely there are “solid” people in this community who could ably serve on that committee. But change at the HOA must come from within that insular organization; have they ever asked for volunteers? —Paul @Blogfinger
Blogfinger, please volunteer to become part of the HOA parking committee. There needs to be a solid force such as yourself that will not give up on this issue.
We all know the saying which is true as well as witty that a camel is a horse that was designed by a committee.
No better way to ensure inaction then to form a committee. Let’s see, there is not enough parking now, but still we need more development on the only open area in town. What we need is a referendum.
Why now? Best time to talk about parking problems is when the biggest parking problems occur, in season! All study will now be based on hearsay and anecdotal remembrance, It’s about as useless as street cleaning without any moving cars.