By Jack Bredin, Reporter/researcher @Blogfinger.net
The Coaster reported that the Township Redevelopment Attorney Joseph J. Maraziti said, “It’s important for the community to understand the project.”
We agree, but what is the truth about that “project?”
Most of us who have been concerned about the Ocean Grove North End Redeveloopment Plan (NERP) over the past ten years are familiar with the 24 page plan adopted March 24, 2008 permitting 165 hotel and condo units on Block 1.
This does not include the White Whale building. There is more to come with that other half of the project, east of the Boardwalk.
The fact is, the 2008 NERP Plan, with a maximum of 165 units on Block 1 is the only approved plan and it remains in effect.
The “new” 2018 plan is a “concept plan” for half the units. But, “The parties (OGNED and the Township) further agree that the parties are not bound by the description of the project (from the attached Exhibit A):
(ii) The number and types of residential units..
(vi) design of the hotel and the number of rooms
(xi) parking, including the dimensions and implementation of a subterranean parking structure.
When Mayor Williams was asked at the Nov. 26 meeting “What plan is the Committee approving?” He said, “The 2018 OGNED Plan.”
But the lawyer said, in the Coaster, “This is not a redevelopment agreement but part of negotiations towards a redevelopment agreement..” He also said, “Nothing is even resolved at this time.”
At Blogfinger we think it is also important for the Mayor and Township Committee to also understand just what project they voted on. After all, there is an 80 unit difference in the two plans.
KEVIN SPACEY: From the soundtrack of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
Greed is the root of all evil. I have been in the grove 25 years. There is so little left of the serenity and charm, due to condos being built, lack of caring for the appearance of the No. End, accommodations for the over population in the summer……… it’s just not the same. Sadly.
Shensea: Well said! At Blogfinger we have been trying to bring the notion of a community of residents to the forefront; and as you point out, this community of residents is part of the “unique qualities” of the Grove.
Unfortunately no organization in town has enbraced this community concept which has been shoved to the back by Camp Meeting priorities, developers who want to exploit the town, and local groups that ignore the resident community (Home Groaners, Historical Society, Chamber of Commercials, and Township Comedy.) They are indifferent to our needs while striving to satisfy their self interests.
Some of us have been observing this turning in the wrong direction, and, as you point out, the turning point may be passing without hope of return.
Shensea says, “When business’s greed overcomes family residents needs, then this is a problem that needs to be addressed clearly and soon if any trust is to exist between outside interests and residents.” She speaks of “outside interests” (especially tourism and development) but it is “the enemy within” that we are concerned with.
As one who lived nearby when there was no Sunday driving in Ocean Grove; it was considered a quiet place reflecting the Victorian, in architecture & traditions.
Now, decades after its ‘gates’ were opened to daily traffic, too much ‘progress’ lately seems at the expense of its history and unique qualities.
When business’s greed overcomes family residents needs, then this is a problem that needs to be addressed clearly and soon if any trust is to exist between outside interests and residents.
A rock band would not receive the favorite nation zoning change that these people conspired to get. We had single family zoning at that location before that phony redevelopment designation was granted by the Neptune Committee. What’s in it for them? A poll of Grover’s found that 80% did not trust the Neptune Committee to do what’s best for the town of OG.
OGNED actually should not be expected to hold any obligation to improve things for us and our neighbors. They are a business. Their simple objective is to make money (the more, the better). Since OGNED consists of specialists in the construction business, their best opportunity to accomplish this is by creating a North End packed with lots of buildings.
More buildings and units -> more money -> OGNED happiness
If OGNED was a rock band, they would propose building a stage and holding hourly concerts every day at the North End. The redevelopment proposal is a consequence of what OGNED does so no blame to them.
It’s actually the mayor and Township Committee’s obligation to do the right thing for OG and also Neptune. Their priority objective should be to protect and improve the physical and mental health of our community. The TC has done a poor job sharing how redeveloping the North End with high density buildings accomplishes that objective. This lack of transparency, intentional or unintentional, creates concern and suspicion. What’s the vision? (in simple words, please. Not legal gobbledygook.)
More buildings and units -> ?????? -> OG happiness
Two of the four principle investors in OGNED are named Gannon. I believe these are the same people who brought us the Greek Temple on Ocean Avenue and the dubious zoning for Mary’s Spa on Main Avenue.
Can they be trusted to do the right thing at our North End for the town of Ocean Grove? Really?
Now that our Mayor and Committee have “signed off” on whatever the Redevelopers want with as many units as they want, those Redevelopers just need to get a copy of the plans for the new mixed-use commercial and residential high-rise on the beach in Asbury Park and change the title to “Ocean Grove North End Complex.”
Parking will be above ground.
For easy access they can connect Ocean Avenue in OG to Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park. I believe that is what’s coming.