Fletcher Lake in Ocean Grove. Part of the “community?” Click to enlarge and see what’s at stake when Ocean Grove policy is commandeered by the CMA and the Township. How about the citizens? Paul Goldfinger photo. ©
Paul Goldfinger. Editor Blogfinger.net
This post from 2018 deconstructs a portion of a CMA letter about permit parking which revealed a great deal about how they feel about this town. Here it is again because of our recent discussions on this subject. Note the comments.
The quote below is from Rev. John DiGiamberardino’s statement to the Neptune Township Committee at their regular meeting on Monday, August 14, 2017, in the Municipal Building. He is the COO of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association.:
“The OGCMA, founder of the community, has existed for 148 years as the leading organization and tax payer in Ocean Grove seeking the good of the community, residents, and visitors.”
The context of his statement was to object vigorously against the idea of permit parking for OG citizens and to threaten a law suit if the CMA’s demands are not met.
But if you read the CMA quote above carefully, you will see that we need to clarify some of his words and definitions. Words have meaning, and I assume that the Reverend wants us to understand his meaning.
a. “The OGCMA, founder of the community…..” What does “community” mean? He refers to the “community” as being separate from “residents” when he says that “OGCMA seeks the good of the community, residents and visitors,” so “community” evidently refers to something other than the citizens who live here.
He introduces the OGCMA as the “founder of the community” as if that has some special significance in terms of governance in this town in 2017. When the State Supreme Court turned Ocean Grove over to Neptune in 1980, that left the CMA as being just another group or entity in OG with no legal special influence in the decisions of the Neptune government, such as what to do about parking.
b. “ The leading organization..” Does this mean the most important organization in town? Does he claim special entitlement because of being “the leading organization?”
c. “The leading taxpayer” seems to refer to the OG entity which pays the most tax money to Neptune Township. Does he mention this because those who pay the most taxes deserve the most attention or the most influence? We have residents in this town who pay no property taxes. Do they have no influence?
d. “148 years” Does he mention this because he wants to teach us some history or does it mean that the oldest organization in town deserves some special consideration? Otherwise, why do we need that number?
e. ” The CMA is seeking the good of the community, residents, and visitors.” In order to understand this claim, we need to know the definition of “good.” It seems to be condescending for the CMA to know what “good” we residents need, and then to demand public policy based on that unique knowledge.
My guess is that the CMA thinks that it has some special advantage over the rest of us that entitles it to apply its unique influence in getting the Township to make decisions in its favor, such as re-zoning the North End and refusing to consider a permit parking plan.
The CMA threatens a lawsuit over this. If they think that they are more important than any other constituency in town, and if the Township agrees with that, then that seems like a potential Constitutional violation if laws are passed in their favor. (“Equal justice under the law.”)
Are we wrong? Are we totally misconstruing what Rev. John said in that statement? What do you think this means?
Written August 18, 2017, by Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger
There are three aspects to this issue. The OGCMA trying to coerce the Township from following the Court ordered RSIS law; in the OGCMA’s quote, “to threaten a law suit if the CMA’s demands are not met,” as to parking.
Collusion between the Township and the OGCMA by refusing to uphold State parking and Federal ADA (Americans With Disability) laws dealing with parking, in order to benefit both organizations at the expense of OG residents.
And the corruption by the Township of Neptune by refusing to uphold RSIS State law and Federal ADA law for the development of OG.
First, the OGCMA is the owner of a housing development known as Ocean Grove, which is an unrecorded development in Freehold made up of undersized lots in violation of State zoning law.
The OGCMA cannot go to court using a development that is unrecorded, while using nonconforming lots, arguing that they should not be required to adhere to a Court order requiring parking.
The Township knows this is a false threat and therefore collusion comes into play between the OGCMA and the Township. Both are seeking to continue to violate RSIS law to perpetuate the illegal zoning that has permitted the high density in OG providing greater taxes at the expense of the OG residents.
This then comes down to corruption where all three Township attorney’s and the Neptune’s Planner are fully aware that Neptune’s zoning is in violation of law and in contempt of a State Court order and in contempt of Federal ADA law.
The Township cannot use the OGCMA’s undersized lot size under the lease agreement. The Township must by law establish a legal lot size that meets State law. Without a legal single family definition, there cannot be any other definition for any other uses in OG.
The Township is masquerading a show of concern for OG when in fact all they are looking to do is continue to violate the rights of OG residents so they can continue using their illegal zoning permitting high density to benefit the OGCMA and the rest of Neptune’s tax payers.
Kevin
It is the Township (since 1879) and not the CMA who is responsible for providing adequate parking for everyone in Ocean Grove, and that includes beachgoers, store owners, homeowners, the CMA and visitors.
The Homeowner’s parking plan favored the homeowners and discriminated against the CMA.
The CMA was understandably less than happy with the plan.
I wonder if we can consider ground rent a charitable contribution?
If it goes to a non-profit charitable organization that uses the money towards the CMA “mission” and it’s for community benefit shouldn’t that meet the definition?
As a condo owner that will eventually be paying $1,000’s in ground rent, at least being able to write it off lessens the pain.
Jack Bredin says the same thing—if you pay the taxes then you own the land. But even if a court were to order the CMA to pay those land taxes, then it would be only fair for the CMA to raise everyone’s ground rent to cover those costs.
Until recently, we all got a tax deduction for those real estate taxes on the land—which we wouldn’t have if the CMA were forced to pay the land taxes.
And, if someone would do the research, I believe this current method of dealing with land tax was upheld in the courts in the past.
I just don’t understand how the CMA is going to be able to continue it’s mission, if people can’t park to attend their activities?
I do think that the ground rent is an anachronism and if push came to shove, the courts would probably throw it out. I think of it more as a Home Owners Association payment than a rent. People have been paying the taxes on these properties for a long time, I think that pretty much defines who the actual owners are.
The CMA might be the largest taxpayer in OG, but they are a really lousy neighbor. The Pastor’s comments about parking demonstrate how little they care about finding solutions to the problems that affect all of us, and about which they could provide some constructive cooperation.
Some of their actions are just plain disrespectful and insensitive toward those of us that live here. They provide a pulpit and visibility for divisive speakers, people with fundamentalist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic views.
I heard that one speaker claimed that gay Americans were responsible for 9/11. People walked out of the sermon.
Another stated that Jews need to “repent” and accept Jesus as their savior. Tony Campolo, a long time favorite, has been banished for his position on gay rights. And while there are many fine camp meeting congregants that love the culture and don’t hold these reactionary views, the leadership is another story.
How does all of this create an atmosphere of cooperation? I don’t think it does. And it is all connected. I don’t think that an organization incapable of progressive thinking will ever create and work toward common goals here.
The real question should be, is how can we make the OGCMA thrive, because they are the real tourist attraction with their events in Ocean Grove?
Grover residents should recognize the worth of the OGCMA, and their financial success is imperative to a thriving town.
Whyo: The point of this post is about the attitude of the CMA organization in opposing a parking plan that would give a lifestyle edge to OG’s residents.
The processes where Neptune Township conducts public policy in Ocean Grove is suspect and deserves scrutiny by the citizens of this town. And those policies are, by necessity, part of this discussion.
The fact that we are renters on the CMA’s land is irrelevant. We pay ground rent to them, and they should get no special privilege given by the Neptune Committee.
The residents of OG should not be an afterthought by either the CMA or the Neptuners.
Why would You move to Ocean Grove? Only to change it! Change does not necessarily mean better! Ocean Grove is just perfect as it is.
You forget you live on the OGCMA’S Land!
.
With or Without: You are quite right if the town were to remain as it was before 1980.
But to say that “without the OGCMA, we have no town” is only because you have not seen the way the town is changing; so you have no vision for the future and a closed mind to the needs of other residents. If would be easier if the CMA could sell plots of land to home owners who would want that.
The CMA may be the landlord, but the town needs to be equally for all residents.
The old way where the CMA prevails must be abolished by the will of the people—–one way or another.
I have lived in Ocean Grove for over forty years and respect the fact that the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Assoc. has given me the privilege to live on “Their Land”. I will back any decision the OGCMA has on the parking issue; without the OGCMA, we have no town.
You all should realize that the relationship of the CMA to the townspeople of Ocean Grove is so unique that there are no precedents for it. (do any of you know such precedents?)
The roots go all the way back to before 1869, and there have been tussles over it throughout the Grove’s history. There is no roadmap to show how this relationship could succeed after Neptune took over in 1980.
Other places have merely dumped the religious facet (Mt.Tabor,NJ; Asbury Park; Ocean Grove Australia; and Chautauqua, NY)
It’s a shame that all the factions in town have not broken free from their fossilized state to form a commission to be groundbreakers for a new concept based on American democracy and the Constitution.
It’s amazing how this little town has a tendency to stumble on issues with potentially far-reaching implications.
TWR: Well said. We are beginning to see some clarity as we try to understand what the 2017 relationship of the residents with the CMA is about.
But the CMA can’t be handing out foggy communications like we see in this post if they expect understanding and support. And they need to show us that their “community” must be more inclusive and sincerely receptive to the needs of all the residents in the Grove.
They can’t play footsie with Neptune Township to the detriment of the townspeople of OG.—-Paul @Blogfinger
Life Long, I assume then that you have lived here long enough to see that the numbers on the “Pleasure To Live In Ocean Grove” meter have sunken quite a bit in recent years.
Perhaps if the residents felt that the CMA was looking out for their well-being, they might contribute more readily.
If this parking issue boils down to revenue produced by daily beach passes, then that is short sighted.
The town is far too diverse to expect the residents to be quiet and accept with gratitude what is decided for them.
Yes…The OGCMA are the founders of Ocean Grove and is the single largest tax payer. I fully respect that.
Nevertheless, together, the homeowners of this town pay the vast bulk of taxes and represent the true clout in this town. I’ve been noticing my neighbors becoming increasingly disgruntled over the past few years about the way the CMA is handling things. I am now one of them.
Pastor John should start listening to the homeowners of this town or risk opening Pandora’s box. We can afford lawyers and file lawsuits too.
One great picture of Fletcher Lake
Life Long: Your comment about the CMA’s “authority” is full of misinformation. Perhaps some of our readers will respond to your assertions.
As an aside, the intention of the Together Campaign was always clearly stated as money raised for the repair (not minimal by the way) of the boardwalk, the Great Auditorium roof, and the Thornley Chapel restoration—– both of which are used for secular as well as religious reasons.
Editor’s note: FEMA money was approved only for the Boardwalk and was used only for the Boardwalk. It was quite a struggle for the CMA to finally convince FEMA to agree to that.
FEMA also promised to pay for the Fishing Pier, but finally FEMA changed its mind on the pier, saying that the pier was not part of the Boardwalk (at least the part that was needed for emergency services and inter-town connections.)
The Camp Meeting decided not to appeal again after all it had been through with FEMA, so they simple agreed to pay for the pier when they were able. The Together Fund was a remarkable accomplishment, and the monies were earmarked openly for the boardwalk, the Auditorium roof and the Thornley Chapel. Nothing fishy here, except for the Feds fishy FEMA Fishing Pier turn about.
Suffering Surfer – You nailed it!
I believe the Camp Meeting has authority because they own all the land in Ocean Grove. I often wonder why all of these people who bought in Ocean Grove did so knowing that it was a Camp Meeting, that the circumstances are different in this small town, that those circumstances set it apart from the other honky tonk towns along the Jersey shore.
Pastor John reminds others of the 148 years because it is indeed relevant—– it is our history. It is only because of the existence of the OGCMA that we have become the town we are today & preserved those aspects which make us unique. And yes, as the Camp Meeting is the largest tax payer that does give their position more weight.
In conclusion please be aware that comparisons to other towns’ beach fronts is not valid. The other towns receive tax revenue to fund their Beach operations and improvements. OG does not receive tax money.
The beachfront is funded by the revenue it produces, by OGCMA funds, and by volunteer organizations like the Ladies Auxiliary, the Beautification Committee & the OG Beach Foundation.
Paul,
I appreciate it that you question the authority of the OGCMA and that you give commenters like me a chance to do the same.
I call this organization the Ocean Grove Counting Money Association. I have tried to raise interest in a class action lawsuit against OGCMA over land rent. This was reasonable many years ago when OGCMA provided police, sanitation, etc. for the town, but is indefensible since OG is part of Neptune.
After Sandy caused minimal damage to the boardwalk and pier and it seemed OGCMA would not receive FEMA money, their Together fund raised $1.5 million in 2013. But then in 2014, they received $2.3 million from FEMA. Wasn’t this enough to rebuild the entire boardwalk and pier? The money should not have been used for their religious buildings.
Moreover, compare the beach, boardwalk, and grassy areas in a town like Bradley Beach (where the town runs the beach, and municipal workers are out there daily) to OG where we have volunteers doing things like planting flowers and holding fundraisers to buy supplies. Where are all the beach profits going?
When I said “no one questions their authority” I meant very few residents in OG, the OGHOA, and the Neptune Township Committee.
Surfer: Didn’t our article today question their authority?
Your reference to the Pope is borderline tasteful and it is sarcastic. However, I allowed your comparison because the CMA falls back on their “mission” in responding to public inquiries, so they have placed themselves under the category of “theocratic rulings in Ocean Grove” which were prevalent and overt prior to 1980.
But maybe there is more than a tinge of that now as the 21st century OGCMA deals with the citizens of Ocean Grove and its government in Neptune.
Pope John of Ocean Grove issued his Papal Bull: There will be no permit parking in my town (like this is Vatican City).
The OGCMA is desperate and dying and trying to hang on to the power they once had.
The worst part of this is that no one questions their authority.
This CMA statement makes me wonder how the CMA, if it is so sure of its leadership of the community, residents and visitors, never threatened lawsuits over all the variances that Neptune has granted that have resulted in an oversaturation of condos in the North End. They are clearly a violation of historic plan and a contributor to the need for permit parking.