Francis Asbury Manor. April, 2017. Blogfinger.net photo. ©
To the Editor:
I read with mounting concern over the “pending” sale of the Francis Asbury Manor. The FAM has always been an asset to Ocean Grove – providing health care and residency to many elderly Grovers over the last several decades.
The loss of the FAM is one letdown- however we “Grovers” should be more concerned with what’s going to replace it?
After reading the article it appears the facility is outdated and can’t compete in the present healthcare market. Are the new owners going to completely renovate it? Are they going to demolish it and rebuild a new code compliant/healthcare compliant building? If so -why wouldn’t the current owners do that? If not -what type of facility is it going to become?
Is it another potential buyer similar to the Laingdon Hotel’s bid to become a drug rehab facility? Are they going to use it as a halfway house ? A dormitory ? Or other facility that isn’t as regulated as healthcare that can fly under the radar with sub- standardized rooms- outdated fire sprinkler systems- old heating systems- wiring – plumbing etc. ?
I think these questions need to be asked and answered before the largest facility in Ocean Grove is sold down the wrong path.
Thanks,
ED REVEL
OCEAN GROVE, NJ
May 3, 2017
Ed Revel is a “long time Grover.”
Editor’s Note: The sale of the FAM occurred yesterday. Reportedly, the new owners will continue the same operation including the staff and the residents. The sign has not changed yet to “Allegria.” The new owners are the Sage Co. who are in the business of running senior residences. Don’t forget, any other use would require a variance from the Neptune Board of Adjustment. —-PG
The issue is not with FAM itself, it’s that UM Communities is moving to a business model that has 3 levels of care in a single facility: independent, assisted and full nursing. FAM is not equipped to be this sort of operation, so UMC believed it was best to sell to an operator that focused solely on skilled nursing care. I’m familiar with UMC and do not see anything more than owning FAM did not play to their strengths.
Coaster May 4, 2017:
“Sage has assumed full leadership and will continue to operate Francis Asbury as a senior living community.”
“Following the closing May2, United Methodist Communities’ Board Chair, Virginia Samuel Cetuk, said, “I know this sound decision demonstrates the board’s commitment to allow the community to remain intact for both residents and staff.”
FAM has always been a fine neighbor . Hopefully Allegria will be too .