a. The CMA is having a daylong event on Saturday, Sept. 19 on the Ocean Pathway. It is the “3rd Annual Open Heaven Musicfest” from 1 pm to 7 pm.
We don’t recall such a celebration in the past. They promise “live bands, vendors. (food and others) and children activities.” It is free.
What do you suppose the neighbors think of it? Will this be a religious event or something for the entire OG community? It says “Open Heaven,” so figure it out.
Having a big event in September sounds like another cog in the CMA’s wheel designed to dominate lifestyles in the Grove. Despite COVID-19, the CMA has managed to make this summer their own, as it does each summer. It seems that OG is truly once again becoming a religious town with the secular population brushed off to the sidelines.
And, is the CMA worried about the virus? The CMA flier doesn’t ask visitors to wear masks.
b. The Chamber of Commercials cancelled most of their useless events this summer designed to make money for local businesses and for vendors. Both groups, CMA and CC routinely turn a blind eye towards the residents of OG, over 3000 citizens according to the last census and then with a considerable number of second homers. We await the current census results.
We attended the CC event. (“Music on Main”) yesterday downtown and did not see anyone we knew. It was a tourist event through and through. Even the coffee shop and the bagel place did not stay open for the happening. And, look below to see the mega-event which they have kept scheduled for October 10.
The Chamber of Commercials will go ahead with their Fall Harvest Arts and Crafts Show with 200 vendors on October 10, 10-4. They will take up Pilgrim Pathway, Main Avenue and Auditorium Square Park. This is a big deal, and there is no mention of masks on their flier.
But here is the irony: The Chamber’s official fall poster (below) has a message in the lower right hand corner which says: “Stay Home NJ”. Do they think the virus will be gone on Oct. 10, do they think it will be safe, or should they take their own advice and cancel it?
c. Site stats. We had 583 hits on Blogfinger Sept 12. Jean’s piece about the Tent Village was most popular. But also Music on Main, COVID information, and Red Flag day at the Beach.
d. The Aurora sold in February 2018 for $1,450,000 and has since been turned into 4 condos which are being advertised as a historic experience, but without prices. Undoubtedly they will be over $1 million each, with ocean views and without parking. The ads emphasize the attractions in Asbury, but they also mention the Great Auditorium.
The GA won’t appeal to that group who will have their gaze fixed on AP.
Prospective Aurora condo buyers should read Blogfinger to get the truth.
e. Lifestyle photo: Surf fishing in OG. Sept. 2020.
THE DANLEERS WITH THE LAST SUMMER SONG:
I agree with everything in Goldfinger’s post. But consistency with the law is an unrealistic expectation. Here in NJ, local government consists of the developer, their lawyer, and the corrupt town committee.
So be happy that the building was not torn down and replaced by 20 units, not 4.
The process of allowing exceptions to zoning as occurred in the Aurora situation and others in the Grove, such as the North End Plan, is the problem here because it is essentially corrupt. And corruption is toxic to a community living supposedly with democratic values and concepts including equal justice under the law.
Even if this sort of process is not challenged legally, it takes its toll causing misgivings and skepticism in the attitudes of citizens.
And just because the Aurora looks nearly identical to how it did with single family zoning is irrelevant. The prior owner should have been forced to continue marketing it as a single family home, because that is the law.
The zoning rules should be applied uniformly with no exceptions. Who gets to say that the Aurora should be an exception? Such flexibility, which has been pervasive in the Grove, with over 300 condo conversions permitted over the years, despite violating State RSIS standards, lends itself to influence peddling.
None of this has been investigated by higher authorities who could reassure the public of straightforward dealings or not.
Also, lacking in the process which propelled the Aurora to the grandiose financial situation now in place, is consideration of the neighborhood. Imagine the impact of this 4 condo building. The condo owners will often have guests, parties, and family visiting. How about parking, crowding, privacy, noise, serenity, breezes, and light?
Did the Planning Board worry about these variables and about the Master Plan for the Historic District which calls for single family homes?
I am not in favor of condo development, nor do I support the broad authority over historic preservation that the HPC enjoys and abuses in the district.
But the Aurora is an exception. It is a very unusual and key property that needs to be preserved, and is one of a limited number of properties the HPC should have jurisdiction over.
I don’t object If converting this enormous building to four units is necessary to keep the property viable while minimizing the impact on its Victorian appearance.