Main Ave. in Ocean Grove. Water main work going on. By Jean Bredin, Blogfinger staff. 1/31/18 ©
Regarding this road work, Jean says, “The pipe replacement operation is moving west on Main Ave. With less traffic this time of year, they seem to be making good progress.”
But such work has a price as indicated by a letter today from a recent resident of the Grove, Desi Bell, who contacted us to say,:
“I was awakened early this morning by horrible rumbling, vibrating and scraping sounds—they have been going on all day long and will likely continue for weeks…turns out they are tearing up ALL of Main Ave. as well as other major roadways in OG to put in an entirely new water main system.
“I’m talking trucks, backhoes, generators, beeping Klaxons—the whole nine!
“With bleary, reddened eyes, I literally just scratch my head in perpetual awe, bafflement, and distress, that a place which for all intents and purposes seems devoid of much of anything, not least of which, actual human beings or any significant cultural vibrancy or activity, can be so relentlessly, perpetually, mercilessly noisy!
“I thought I could move to this town and find a quiet, peaceful place, but instead I have found sleep deprivation and difficulty simply concentrating or relaxing amidst constant noise. ”
Editor’s note: It is true, that Ocean Grove can be a very noisy place. We have had construction going on for months next door to our home. And there are other noises we experience such as smoke alarms, train whistles, weed wackers, leaf blowers, car alarms, a peculiar vague nocturnal rumbling, as well as distant noises at night that resemble fog horns. (Probably train whistles—a noise that some find beautiful and reassuring.)
And urban type noises in the Grove such as sirens, drunks in the streets (especially at the north end), loud rock bands in A. Park, partying renters, and, yes, road work, can make a din that Gunga would marvel over.
Here are two BF post links on this subject:
So we feel bad for Desi Bell, but Desi, you’ve got to be patient. We know you are new in town, and when spring arrives, you won’t notice the noise, because you soon will be distracted by the search for a parking space.
Here’s some advice: “Always look on the bright side of life. ” From Monty Python’s Spamalot.
“If life seems jolly rotten
There’s something you’ve forgotten
And that’s to laugh and smile and
Dance and sing.
When you’re feeling in the dumps
Don’t be silly chumps
Just purse your lips and whistle
– that’s the thing.
And… Always look on the bright
side of life…”
I did not mean to imply that people should move away, while I love it here there a no doubt things that could be improved. However, and perhaps i projected this on Ms. Bell, there seems to be a certain subset of people who move to a place and then complain about things that predated their residency. We see this with Wall Stadium, some towns have residents complain about the fire station whistle, etc. Even in this town, and all along the shore, people complain about summer traffic. I guess I’djust expect people to do a little research about what they are buying into.
This construction is long overdue. Much of OG still has smaller earthen water pipes, which are prone to breaking, and securing reliable water supply for the fire department can be a challenge. They usually have to run hose across the bridge into Asbury to get good water.
As someone who grew up in a shore town (Belmar) I am all too familiar with the cycle of the season. Noise-making crowds of tourists in the summer, then a mad dash to finish public works projects in the off-season.
I think its one of the things I like the best about living down here. Its like the heartbeat of the shore. I choose to live in a place where you’re on top of each other. With that comes the noise of humanity.
If you didn’t want to hear people, the fire department horn, the gong buoy, the sounds of the shore (all sounds I love) then you could live in Millstone where the closest house is a mile away.
Editor’s note: Joe: Just because someone complains about some aspect of life in the Grove doesn’t mean that they should leave town. There are many components of living here which combine to create our overall feeling about the Grove.
You are not the only one who has responded on Blogfinger to a complaint with the suggestion that the complainer move away. One of our functions on this blog is to let people vent and to trigger discussions about our lives here.
On the other hand I appreciate your picturesque description of the ambient sounds in OG which you enjoy. I also appreciate certain sounds around us, especially including the reassuring airy whistle of the Jersey Coast trains as they roll by clattering on the rails and sending a message that everything is OK.—Paul
Comment: Desi Bell is my dog’s name. We live on Bath Ave, and as far as I know, he does not drive or park a car (a problem with the lack of opposable thumbs). I have never seen his name in print and was delighted to see mention in your recent article. Thanks!