Civil War reenactment in Ocean Grove 2003. They are gone now. . Click to enlarge.   Blogfinger photo. ©

By Paul Goldfinger, MD  Blogfinger.net. 2018

The story of the Aurora is fascinating because of all the issues and false assumptions swirling about and beyond it.

False assumption #1:  Everyone is on the same page regarding the definition of  “historic.”   Actually, the powers-that-be don’t give a rat’s tail about historic preservation in the Grove.  They have other priorities, and the town is on a trajectory downhill as a desirable community.

False assumption #2  :  During the OG Revolution of 1980-2000 the town was made “better” by tearing down horrible boarding houses and getting rid of poor people/deinstitutionalized patients.  But those Grovarian warriors failed to envision what would come next; they left the future to chance, and they dropped the ball. In 2022, there are few housing options for the young , the disabled and the poor.

Some of the post-revolutionary results were good, but later the Township, the HPC, the CMA and the HOA gleefully allowed big box condos all over town. They allowed zoning abuses, favoritism, and double standards for developers and the CMA, inconsistent enforcement of ordinances, and failure to follow State laws and the Master Plan. OG  Leadership dissolved, and special interests filled the vacuum.  The post-revolution HOA proved to be a gutless organization; thus their nickname “Home Groaners.”

Those condo buildings were approved even though they are ugly, non- historic, and provoke congestion. Their continued presence and expansion send clear messages to unbiased observers that Ocean Grove is failing as a historic, admirable residential community.   That is why the current owner of the Warrington site is arrogantly and ironically demanding in court that he also get a piece of the ill-begotten zoning mess known as Ocean Grove.

False assumption #3.  The owner of the Aurora will not be allowed to convert that building into condos because it would violate land use laws. But there is a track record in the Grove that proves otherwise. Let’s see what happens with the Aurora.

False Assumption #4.  Township officials and boards care about the Historic District and will do what’s best for the citizens who live in the Grove.

Just watch, along with us, as the Township and its lawyers do the merengué as they dance around the legalities such as with the North End.    So don’t be distracted by the slick moves emanating from the Mother Ship:

False Assumption #5.  The OG Camp Meeting Association will do the right thing and support what’s best for the town. Well, look at  their track record.  Their top priority relates to their mission.  Remember they threatened to sue the town over permit parking before they even heard the debate.

False Assumption #6.  Ocean Grove is a model of diversity and tolerance  No–it is a white enclave with an overriding need to make money from development—and with inadequate affordable housing for the poor. Neptune is a model of de facto segregation, and their only solution is to raise taxes, especially in the OG “cash cow.”

The Township got Mary’s Place zoned as a “shelter” for cancer victims.  Do you think the Township would allow the Aurora to become a shelter for the homeless, addicts, and unemployed others in need?  Fat chance!

Hopefully the Aurora matter will raise interest in what is really going on in Ocean Grove.  But will things improve?  Dream on!

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