By Paul Goldfinger, Editor and Jack Bredin Reporter and Researcher @Blogfinger.net
The meeting hadn’t yet begun, but the Township Committee attendees were greeted outside the Municipal Building by a group of demonstrators with signs complaining about plans to build a bulk-head at the Shark River. Blogfinger has little interest in the subject, but we are impressed that, for the first time which we are aware, citizen-pickets protested outside.
We need more of that sort of activism when Ocean Grove has demands, and we often do.
Last night the OG Home Groaners planned to pressure the Committee into seriously looking into resident permit parking. They expected citizens to show up and loudly complain (at the microphone) that we need permits. Even the political arm of Ocean Grove United tried to push the issue on behalf of their allies, the HOA, with a mass email containing Joyce Klein’s (HOA Parking Committee Chair) plea to show up.
But since the Home Groaners never publicly revealed their permit plan, how is the public supposed to make up its mind on this controversial issue? Is this one of those “vote for it first and then find out what’s in it” moments?
As it turns out, an estimated 15 people spoke up, but about half were opposed and the other half were in favor; a somewhat similar result to our BF poll. Since those in favor had no idea what exactly they were in favor of, they basically asked the Committee to “do something.” And those who were opposed had no idea exactly what they were opposed to. They basically said “It won’t work.”
And the Committee seemed to cling to its OG parking strategy which is to squirm in their seats while making believe they care. This topic offers a no-win situation for them, and they have no courage to address it. They want it to go away.
And the Home Groaners Ass. once again comes up empty regarding an issue that OG residents do care about.
Two interesting Grovers went to the microphone. The first was Ted Bell, OG historian and HSOG member. He said that he was in favor of a permit plan.
The other well known guest was Rev. John DiGiamberardino, COO of the Camp Meeting Association. He read a prepared statement opposing a permit plan on the grounds that it would not coincide with the group’s “Mission Statement.” The last time we heard that was when the citizens were rejected for a dog park in the Grove.
He did not hand out copies of his statement. We will try to get one, since the OGHOA is very influential in town and in their dealings with the Committee. Also, this must be important to the CMA, because they almost never go public with their views; except when Rev. John sent out a statement in the recent past on ground rents.
But, hang onto your hats, because this was a very long meeting and there was more trash talk to keep the Committee on the edge of their podium seats.
Here’s a song dedicated to the Township Committee from their buddies the OGHOA:
MARILYN MONROE
There is a nasty rumor that several drinking establishments in Asbury are running a sort of shuttle service to OG so patrons can get their cars. Hope it is not true.
During the public portion of this meeting, when parking was being discussed, Jack Bredin raised an issue which is totally unique and heard for the first time. He pointed out that NJ Land Use Law says that no town development be approved if it would add to existing traffic/parking congestion. If it did, it would be a violation of Land Use Law.
It would apply to Asbury Park’s Council for allowing development that would worsen congestion not only in their town, but in the Grove where Asburian customers and workers have to park because there is no room for them in their badly clogged city.
And it is true for the Neptune Committee for routinely, over years, allowing construction and conversion of condominiums without providing any off street parking. Their decision is illegal as is their zoning.