Will condos without parking arise at the Sea View Avenue Park View Inn location after it is demolished? Probably not since the owner has promised the neighbors that single family homes will be built. Ocean Grove, NJ. Blogfinger file photo. ©
Fun and games on Ocean Pathway 2014. Look beyond the kids and see one of those big- box condos without parking in the background. That is emblematic of how Neptune Township feels about the most historic street in town. Do you think it blends with the rest of the architecture nearby? Paul Goldfinger photo ©
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor at Blogfinger.net
Monday, October 19, 2015. Ocean Grove, NJ.
As we have reported, Neptune Township ordinances forbid off-street parking in Ocean Grove, thus violating State of New Jersey RISS (Residential Site Improvement Standards) rules. The Township has ignored those State standards even though the State requires that local ordinances conform to State law. Ignoring the RISS rules allows developers to construct multi-unit buildings without providing the mandatory parking off-street.
Today we have received the following news from Kevin Chambers, an Ocean Grove citizen, who has waged a one-man battle in recent years to force Neptune to conform to State RISS law:
“I have spoken with an attorney in Princeton about suing the township over RSIS. He said that If residents were willing to form a non-profit group he would sue the township for us. If anyone would be willing to join me in forming a non-profit group to sue the township, then please leave your name with Blogfinger.”
We will provide more information as it rolls in, but Blogfinger will serve as the home base for this citizen group to communicate and form a non-profit organization who’s goal is to force the Township to write the RISS rules into the Neptune Township zoning laws (ordinances.) In addition it is anticipated that the class action suit will request money from the Township in order to sue the Township over and over as needed to block condominiums and other projects from being built without offering parking.
Those who volunteer to lend their names to this suit will not have to spend any of their own money. They may be asked to attend a meeting at some point.
I will not post your names on BF, and your names will not appear on the suit. If you want to be considered as part of the group, please contact me at Blogfinger@verizon.net. No action will be taken until we have stepped up and offered a group to the lawyer mentioned above. We already have the first name on the list: Kevin Chambers—-Ocean Grove hero. We will find out how many names will be needed, but now’s your chance to step up to the plate.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor @ Blogfinger.net.
TALLY: We have six if we count a couple as one. The rules will be spelled out later, so please sign up if you are interested, Right now, the more the merrier, and even if we don’t use everyone, this tally will show the level of interest, because it takes some passion and even courage to offer one’s name, and we want to show the passion.—-Paul
Here’s Blossom Dearie with a song dedicated to Kevin Chambers:
Here is a link to our last post about the Whitfield from 6 months ago. http://blogfinger.net/2015/04/24/looking-forward-to-the-demolition-of-the-whitfield-hotel-2/
The last we heard was that a great deal of time is being spent to allow for tenants to move out and find new quarters. After that: demolition; after that: single family homes. Paul at Blogfinger
Has anyone heard updates on the Whitfield Hotel demolition? I’ve heard rumors that a lawsuit from current tenants will prevent any demolition or changes to the property until April next year (originally think demo was scheduled for November this year). Also heard rumors that the previous owner of the Park View is looking into buying and renovating the Whitfield and returning it to a functioning hotel/b&b. Sounds like a repeat four single family homes or….
Since there is now a lawsuit, I would hope the HOA will also join the suit as a litigant. Hey HOA — if this is not a cause you believe in and join, than what is?
I will be going to the next HOA to ask them why they are not joining the suit, if, by that time, they have not joined it. If they do not support enforcement of the state parking standards — a position favorable to OG homeowners, then they must explain why not. The HOA used to have grit and aggressiveness. Where is that quality now? Frankly, the HOA should be ashamed that a solitary private citizen had to get the lawsuit started — The HOA should have brought suit years ago.
I am hoping that once the suit is filed, we can get an injunction against Mary’s Place opening until the issue is resolved. They do not offer any parking.
Thanks for the Park View update. Sounds like a perfect solution.
Re: the Park View Inn:
The gentleman who owns the property of the Parkview View Inn, is planning on four individual homes. He went around to all of the neighbors attending the township meeting to explain his process. He has to apply to the township first for a subdivision, and then he can begin the demolition process. He is planning on having one house built available by May so that he can use it as a model in order to sell the other three. He gave all of us his business card. I’m pretty sure I have it at home. If you want his name and number to interview him I can look and pass it on to you.
I agree with Doug. 22% in one year in Asbury-WOW. That success rate could take care of a few of the most egregious abandoned buildings in just one year. Take your pick, the Park View and Warrington, to name a couple. After demolition I am sure the talents of visionaries including Kevin Chambers and Jack Bredin could see to it that zoning is followed.
As usual, I applaud our local news source “Blogfinger” for his quality investigative reporting!
Maybe we should also sue about the inaction on the derelict buildings, Asbury is claiming a 22% success rate in one year, I doubt if Neptune has cleaned up any in 5 years!
HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION take note: This is a way that we actually can do something to help a situation that gets worse with each new conversion. Support this action.