By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger and Jack Bredin, Blogfinger Reporter/Researcher
When Blogfinger took an interest in the North End, the zoning changes had already taken place, leaving us with the task of researching, exposing and defining the situation and sharing our information with the Ocean Grove public.
When Mary’s Place on Main Avenue was conceived, a highly dubious zoning decision was made in 2014 by a single Neptune Township official that allowed two lots to be merged and a “community residence and shelter” placed instead of two single family homes. No variances were required. We came upon that situation after the fact.
Kevin Chambers sought a legal remedy for the zoning decision at #50 Main Avenue, and we have reported on his efforts. We learned about that late as well, but now we are following that situation, unlike the OGHOA which pays no attention to such issues, and they ought to do so.
It turns out that public officials in Neptune Township, the CMA, and developers have gotten used to doing what they please regarding land use, regardless of local zoning laws and regardless of State laws such as RSIS parking rules for new construction, and without taking an interest in public opinion on such matters.
But the saga of # 58-60 Main Avenue is a bit different. Here we have the opportunity to study the process as it is occurring. Two days ago we posted a letter from an anonymous Ocean Grover that alerted us to what is going on at # 58-60 Main Avenue regarding planned changes to the property. If it weren’t for that person, we would not have found out about the situation. Definitely the OGHOA wouldn’t have told us, because they don’t do their duty as watchdogs. No one is watching such events on behalf of the public——except Blogfinger and a few individuals.
Today we went to the Municipal Building and spoke to Kristie Armour, the Administrative officer for the Planning/Zoning Board of adjustment.
We learned that yesterday, June 20, 2016, a lawyer named Andrew J. Karas, from Fox Rothschild LLP, Attorneys at Law in Roseland, submitted a large box to the Neptune Township Planning Board regarding #58-60 Main Avenue. That box contained an application for a site plan for that property.
Blogfinger will not have access to the application until Ms. Armour’s office processes it, but we have filed a request for access to government records (aka OPRA request—Open Public Records Act,) and we should have more information for our readers next week.
It seems that our information from our informant was mostly accurate. The building is two stories, with stores below and apartments above. It is in a mixed use zone called HD-B-1 which does permit a maximum of 3 stories, and the developer evidently wants to add a third story for condominiums, and we suspect that he will want condos on the second floor as well.
But there are some issues having to do with density and parking (or lack thereof). Ms. Armour tells us that her office will determine which board will handle this application, and it may be the Zoning Board of Adjustment rather than the Planning Board. And there will be other issues as well such as why a high profile real estate firm would take on this project without knowing for sure that the condo customers will have guaranteed parking on Main Avenue. And have they determined that the OGHOA parking plan provides cover for such ambitions ?
Does that sound crazy? Well, take a look at the OGHOA Parking Plan. It says that permit parking should be provided “for tax paying residents.” Really? Do you think that they want each condo owner to have a permit? Will they support a reserved space on Main Avenue for each of those new condos at # 58-60? We’ll find out sooner or later.
Stay tuned to Blogfinger. We want the public to know how their Neptune Township government actually functions and we will have more to say about that and about our OG Homeowners Association which has failed to monitor and protect our town from projects that will damage our lifestyles and property values in the Grove.
GEORGE HARRISON “All Those Years Ago.”
“I’m talking all about how to give
They don’t act with much honesty
But you point the way to the truth when you say
All you need is love.”
I agree with you 100%
Bad Investment. I hope you are right. In recent years the sense of community in OG has deteriorated, as discussed in some of our recent posts. We have groups that follow their own agendas rather than a vision for the town. Take the Historical Society of Ocean Grove. Where are they on these land use issues, derelict houses concerns, and worries about historic preservation? Where are the citizens who should attend Township Meetings? Without any support for the few activists in town, those heroes will get discouraged, and then the lunatics will completely take over the asylum.
If this town does not retain the “community/culture” aspect that you mention, then it’s “Goodbye Charlie.” —–PG
I understand with what you’re saying Blogfinger. I purchased a condo in LBI back when the market had inflated prices. I too overpaid at a $450,000 price for my condo. I wanted a piece of the Shore Pie.
After Storm Sandy, I had to gut my condo down to its studs and I sold it ‘as is’. I took a big hit with my investment, as I only gained half my return, because of the change in the market. I couldn’t sell at a higher price because large homes were being sold for similar prices.
I think my point is that I feel like more buyers than not don’t care about sleek luxuries in Ocean Grove, but one would care about those sleek luxuries in LBI. It’s a completely different lifestyle in LBI than it is here in OG. You’re buying into the community/culture in OG. Although I loved my condo and my time in LBI…it just wasn’t the whole package, like OG is.
Money Talks: Just to clarify terminology for this discussion, we will use “apartments” to indicate rental units, which is the category that has been most common in OG. But for those units that will be for sale, we will refer to them as “condominiums.”
We think that unless proper and honest zoning prevails in OG, we will see condo conversions without parking springing up all over town. Anyone, for example, with a duplex house, could turn that into a very nice investment as two condos. Is that a bad thing? We need some community discussion on this topic and we need the HOA to be a watchdog to tell us what is going on around town.
If they won’t do it, then a private group of Grovers need to organize to be watchdogs, or the same old back room deals will determine what happens as before.
I think there is a bit of wishful thinking in this comment. We have a demographic here of second homers who relish the idea of being in this quaint town which is near the ocean and about 1 1/2 hours out of NYC—much better than the Hamptons, especially with the hipster city next door.
Some of them are interested in our history and authenticity, but others want the move-in condition of new condos. I have been in one that looks like a Manhattan apartment, and these people are from an old Grover family.
As stated in the article, we are concerned that this is the beginning of a changed Ocean Grove—ie Asbury Park South. We fear that commercial forces are beginning to emerge where money is king, high density desirable, and where local power brokers could care less about your OG vision or mine.
A local developer is opening a food court at the North End on the Boardwalk. Is this the beginning of a new commercial North End? Burgers and waffles may seem innocuous enough, but these are the same people who brought us Mary’s Place.
However it is good that we are starting this conversation because it will help those of us who care about lifestyles, architecture and history in town to figure out a strategy if there is one that could rise above money. —–PG
Apartments and condos seem to peek interest and eventually will rent/sell. But, Sackman has the wrong idea with creating a third floor of ‘luxury’ condos. Although it may be nice for some to have a nice sleek kitchen or a newly renovated home…this town is just not that type of town. Our homes look beautiful with its chipped paint and hundred years worth of old and charming historical wood work. That’s what makes our town special and creates an interest for our visitors.
Visitors aren’t talking about the luxury apartments in town. They are complimenting the old porches, the historical colors, the wild flowers in front, the Victorian wooden front doors and the sounds the floors make when you walk through these charming homes. They aren’t talking about the brand new stainless steel
appliances or the sleek contemporary finishings.
I think Sackman dropped the ball with his investment in Ocean Grove.
This type of renovation plan would work well in Asbury. I just don’t see that he will get the high rents/sales he is looking for – in this town. Some of the comparable apartment/Condos on Main have been renovated and they are still sitting on the market–because they are expecting too much in return, with a price too high.
You will always get some buyers/renters willing to waste their money for an investment that won’t allow them to really gain any profit from their purchase, and perhaps a few won’t care – just so they can get a little piece of Ocean Grove heaven. Who can blame them, but more people want the charm and want the front porches. A window that overlooks Main just doesn’t quite fit the bill of what most of us are all desiring in Ocean Grove.
In answering Jim’s question: Sackman is trying to get around that– with saying the building is not historical, and therefore can build a third floor for luxury apartments.
Isn’t this area zoned a historic district? How is a three-story condo building even permitted under the historic zoning regulations of the town? Those of us who own property in Ocean Grove know that you must comply with it as a place in the historic register. This sounds like completely new construction out of character with what has kept the town so charming and unique at the Jersey Shore.
I lived in this building. The parking was pretty bad already. Impossible in summer, and rarely right next to the building. I wonder if they will make the building taller or work with the existing height. The apartments have fairly high ceilings and also huge, wonderful old (and in need of maintaining) roof lanterns/skylights. It’d be a shame to destroy them. Anyway, between the apartment ceiling and skylights you have, I don’t know, 5-6 feet. The building needs work, but anything more than 5 1br apartments seems overkill. Of course, it’s Sackman/big money coming in. They are expanding their Asbury playground. Judging by the attitude that developers and business people in Asbury have, they’ll get what they want. In 10 years Asbury will be emptied of its hip, “creative class” and people will be renting crappie 1brs in Neptune City for $2000. Byebye
Isn’t it ironic, that several days after the above mentioned article was posted on Blogfinger, Sackman’s attorneys submitted a “box full” of paperwork regarding 60 Main?
I’m tired of people with deep pockets and political connections
coming into our beloved Ocean Grove trying to
dominate and think that they can do whatever they want and get away with it!
Stay in Asbury Park, Carter Sackman, and continue to make those poor people there, who have to deal with you, miserable!
Go buy your daughter another building in Asbury Park!
Let’s unite Ocean Grovers and take our beautiful
town back from these money hungry builders.