We have just received this announcement from the OGHOA:
“On Wednesday, February 1, the Neptune Township Zoning Board of Appeal will meet to consider the application by Sprout Health Group, LLC for a use variance to convert the Laingdon Hotel, at 8 Ocean Avenue, from a hotel open to the public to a hotel open only to clients of Sprout that utilize its addiction counseling services center in Eatontown.
“Members of the public may question the applicant, and interested residents may present testimony in person, or through an attorney, in favor of or against the application.”
Editor’s note: We can’t even rely on the OGHOA to get the facts straight in a simple announcement. The meeting will be held at the Neptune Township Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Why doesn’t that maladjusted HOA get on their soapbox and take a leadership position condemning this rehab fiasco?
Linda: I have interviewed some Grovers who were involved with the resurgence that you describe. One of the key elements of the HOA’s success back then was to make political contacts and to actually run for local offices. Sen. Joseph Palaia was indeed involved in helping Ocean Grove during that time. He was our district (11th) State Assemblyman, Senator and Freeholder. He also served as Mayor of Ocean Township. Sen Palaia died this past year. There is a park named after him in Ocean Township.
Linda Franzese—-lifelong Ocean Grover:
While I recognize the need for this type of facility, I have to think back to the late 1970’s and early 1980’s when the building that currently houses the “Emporium” on Main Avenue was the NJ National Bank. I worked at that bank. Each morning, waiting for the bank manager to open the branch, I had to wait outside and navigate my way through the mentally ill (I don’t know if they were drug addicts or not). They congregated there in order to catch a bus taking them for medication, I believe to Jersey Shore Medical Center.
There were times when they would panhandle, make sexual comments, etc. If it weren’t for State Senator Joseph Palaia making it his mission to close the “half-way” houses in Ocean Grove, this town would NEVER have had the resurgence that it has experienced.
Think what this will do to tourism and property tax values.
If you want to have that type of facility, and in effect “turn back the clock”, then go ahead and approve the facility!
I trust these online surveys and commissioned studies about as much as I trust the news through various channels… which is NOT AT ALL. Ocean Grove is a recreational/religious community, While I recognize the need for rehabilitation services for those caught up in the difficulties of addition, Ocean Grove is not the place for a facility – let them organize bus trips from a center in a retail area. In our wonderful economy, there is certainly enough vacant space to buy or rent. Perhaps they should be looking at space at Fort Monmouth
In a town where it’s difficult to get a variance for fence size, why should we allow variances to change the basic fabric and utilization of the town?
Does anyone know the tax status of Sprout Health Group? Is it a non-profit (perhaps 501c3)? Is it for-profit? Would it pay local taxes or be tax-exempt? Does it receive federal or state funds?