What we have here is a fine kettle of fish*”
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net
What are we to do with the totally ineffective Home Groaners? They have a meeting, drag a crowd of Grovers away from their warm beds, and find out that the Groaners accomplished next to nothing.
The first order of business was the Parking Committee report. It seems that the Township accepted none of their recommendations. In particular there will be no parking permits for residents, no parking meters on Ocean Avenue, and no park-and-ride trolley. Conclusion: A big zero for the Groaners.
Second order of business: Converting the Laingdon Hotel into a rehab facility? Well, the Groaner’s president, a lawyer, announced that she knows nothing about zoning law and that her board was considering spending $5,000.00 for another lawyer to represent the group at the Zoning Board meeting. She even admitted that she knows nothing about brain surgery either, so the Groaners should be disqualified from discussing zoning or performing lobotomies in the future.
Luckily, the Sprout application was withdrawn and saved the group $5,000.00 The Groaners must have a lot of dough, because they recently wasted $7,000.00 for a lawyer to look at a false alarm—ground rents. (i.e. no weapons of tax destruction were found.)
Oh, and why was the Sprout application withdrawn? The Groaners have no idea. Conclusion: Everyone should have stayed home in bed.
The third order of business: The meeting agenda promised that the HPC would come to discuss the “HPC War” because the Township wants to dilute the HPC historic guidelines, and this is a subject that could impact Ocean Grove’s future.
But golly, the HPC representatives instead reviewed what everyone already knows about (HPC history 101 minus the Greek Temple ) and ignored what everyone wanted to hear about—i.e. the “HPC War.”
Therefore we regrettably must report that the HPC laid an egg at the meeting and continues to deny the public information about this critical situation.
The Blogfinger correspondent concludes that “The Home Groaners Association knows nothing and does nothing.”
And that, ladies and germs, in the words of Laurel and Hardy*, “Is a fine kettle of fish.”
For our musical enjoyment we offer a suggested theme song for the HGA when the current board resigns and is replaced by a group of Grovers who will actually accomplish something for the town.
DINAH WASHINGTON:
Most of the problems that threaten OG’s historic district can be traced back to the Township Committee.
The Town Committee, for the most part, views OG as a cash cow for collecting taxes from the residents, and donations from those who view historic preservation as “a detriment to development”.
The relationship between the HOA’s leadership and the Township Committee has become too close for comfort, and only serves to advance the Township’s total control over OG.
Oh Gee: Your reference to the “complainers” is hardly newsworthy since only two commenters complained about the proposed diagonal parking, while one was seemingly in favor. —-PG
To the complainers about the proposed new diagonal parking: Where else in Ocean Grove could we obtain 60 new spaces? (don’t say the abandoned North End, b/c hell will freeze over before the OGCMA would use their property for that purpose)
Double Talker: Yes, that is a brilliant observation. I agree that “wrong” is relative, i.e. an opinion. So what? Why don’t you speak to the issues instead of spouting semantics?
They are not on the wrong side. They are just not on your side.
The problem with the Groaners is that they are on the wrong side of many issues that can affect the future of Ocean Grove. Good intentions without good results count for nothing. That board should resign.
I find the HOA to be a dedicated group of individuals who are working in the best interest of the OG residents.
Curmudgeon: Re: the HPC presentation: Barbara Burns promised meat and potatoes, and all we got was fluff. This was a classic “bait and switch.” Next the HOA will be giving us “3-card Monte.”
As for the HPC going on the offensive, seeing will be believing. But whatever their planned tactic, they need to step out from behind the curtain and tell the public what’s what. There is no room for secrecy and opacity in the public square. No one appointed the HPC to be a secret society.
A few years ago I asked why there wasn’t diagonal parking the whole length of Main. I was informed by none other than Mary Beth Jahn, in this blog, that it was against the RSIS standards for a residential area, which that stretch of road has been classified. The exception were the blocks of our ‘commercial zone’, New York to Ocean Av. Even that’s iffy since it’s actually mixed use but the state granted a pass on that area. What has changed to make this move possible or even legal?
The dopey Parking Committee should reject those diagonal spaces. Those of us who live over there can find parking now. All this will bring are more tourists and A.parkers into our part of town. Just say “no” and leave us alone!
Doubting Thomas: There already is diagonal parking on Main Avenue west to Firemen’s Park. If they introduce diagonal parking from the park west it will bring ugliness to one of the nicest residential neighborhoods in the Grove.
As you enter (or leave) the Grove on Main Avenue, you have a broad boulevard with a lovely vista across the park onto Victorian homes on Mt. Hermon Way and along Main to the pillars.
The residents of that area should object. Another 30 or so spaces is too small a number to exchange for the loss of those views and the openness. Once again the Township looks for ways to increase density and suffocation in town. This is another precedent that should be rejected. The citizens should fight for every bit of open space that still exists in the Grove.
Also, for those who do park over there now, the parallel parking offers some comfort–a relief from what else goes on heading east.
And, as those diagonal spaces are installed, some more cross town drivers will have their open views of the road blocked–another cross town hazard.
Take it easy on the Homeowners Association.
I thought the HPC presentation was interesting. A lot of new residents have not heard about historic preservation, and the presentation was well-received. It was obvious they just didn’t want to get into the Guidelines issue publicly until the Township raises it again. Believe me, I have no love for the HPC and think some changes to preservation are needed.
The Homeowners will mobilize when the time comes to deal with the Township on this issue, and there will be an effective resistance.
The Township used a parking consultant to find 60 new spaces by changing parallel parking spots on Main Ave. (west of the business district) and Central Ave. (north of Main) into diagonal parking. But ultimately this won’t help much until we reduce the volume of cars rolling into town.
It is a disgrace that permit parking for residents was rejected by Neptune Township. Once again that crew shows its disdain towards the homeowners in Ocean Grove.