Grovers look into a mirror at the Flea Market on the Pathway. Do they see optimism or pessimism? Jean Bredin (Blogfinger staff) selfie photo with a twist—- Blogfinger staff. 2015. ©
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfnger
Because of the absence of any policy changes in Ocean Grove vis a vis issues such as North End Redevelopment, condominium permits, zoning favoritism, and RSIS standards, it is not surprising that some Grovers may feel a bit pessimistic about the Grove’s future—-myself included.
The OGHOA has not changed its upside-down policies, and our elected officials consistently take the side of developers instead of the people of Ocean Grove.
We have groups in town such as the CMA, developers who live in the Grove, and the various organizations who do nothing to help the cause such as Ocean Grove United (OGU), the OG Chamber of Commerce, and the Historical Society. We never hear a peep out of them regarding these matters. They act as if none of this has to do with them.
The only time we have a protest in town is when OGU sponsors demonstrations regarding who gets to speak in the Great Auditorium.
Naturally, one might become pessimistic if your vision of the Grove includes a friendly, safe, quiet, non-congested historic town with family-oriented values and lifestyles, innovative parking solutions, community attitudes, beautiful Victorian single family houses, and sunny breezy neighborhoods.
Jack Bredin, Blogfinger staff reporter/researcher, sees the situation as complicated (“many moving parts”) so he finds signs of optimism. He believes that our ideas have positive energy and are being appreciated by many people who read Blogfinger. He refers to Don Quixote’s “to dream the impossible dream.” He says, “One never knows when the silent majority will have enough and then be moved to action.”
Jack has seen public opinion turn slowly and State authorities begin to take wide-eyed views of similar situations elsewhere in New Jersey resulting in victories for the community and even prosecutions.
On March 3, 2016, we received this very well-said optimistic comment from an anonymous Grover.:
“Previous posts have exposed Neptune Township for it’s past under-handed, perhaps illegal approvals of high density development in Ocean Grove and it’s defiance in obeying RSIS parking rules.
“Now that Ocean Grove homeowners are more informed, and most are against this type of development, wouldn’t it be very difficult for Neptune to continue it’s NERP plans in a legal and transparent manner without stiff resistance of OG homeowners.”
There are those who don’t mind the condoization, the congestion, the town hall favoritism, and the commercial development. Some might not even object to construction on the beach. These individuals might be feeling optimistic about how things are going in our town.
But the best way in a boisterous democracy to pursue happiness is to keep expressing opinions so that the voices of the people are heard. The voices on Blogfinger are heard by thousands of readers from all over. Who knows who might be paying attention?
Maybe we will eventually see progress being made, even slowly, but in a way that would promote more optimism among the majority*of OG citizens. After all, optimism is really a productive stance to take.
BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL from his album Simply Broadway:
*As suggested by Blogfinger opinion polls
Paul, thanks for being the voice of reason in town these days. It’s hard to even know what to say. It’s the residents (and lovers of Ocean Grove, too) that need to be encouraged to preserve their own environment.
With the Asbury explosion to the north, things are only going to grow, and that is great. This is truly an issue that brings everyone in OG of all stripes together, though. I mean, who likes more density in this kind of town? Who likes more cars? Only if you don’t have to deal with it, and that is barely anyone. The greed and looking the other way is pretty out in the open now. Take care.
This article was posted before, but it is relevant now as the summer season is about to kick off. Walking around the Grove we see OG at its summer best, despite the smothering effects of our parking issues. People are outside, walking, biking, schlepping to the beach, porching, picnicking, conversing, laughing and generally enjoying life in this special town.
So optimism seems to be the order of the day, and who wants to hear negativity? But the town’s future is at stake. Thus, we need optimism without sticking our heads in the sand at the beach.
We need to keep our eyes open because there are forces at play that will cleverly and quietly do slow motion end-runs around zoning and law, to the detriment of this community.
At Blogfinger we will continue to bring the news as we see it, and you can judge for yourselves. Feel free to disagree, but please don’t be indifferent. Paul @Blogfinger
Great picture.