Ocean Grove, NJ. By Paul Goldfinger Blogfinger.net Photo published in Maine Ahead magazine. Click to enlarge.By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger. 7/18/15
At the next meeting of the Ocean Grove Homeowners Association, they will have an expert on memory loss. Shouldn’t the HOA forget about memory loss and start digging into the North End Plan fiasco and getting busy finding ways to take down that “travesty” (as Mayor Jahn called the Plan?)
We have seen the Home Groaners’ board fiddle around with the NERP (North End Re-development Plan,) but only as spokesmen for the CMA and the Township Committee. They will claim credit for encouraging the developers to downsize the project, but there are other reasons why the CMA is dropping out as re-developers and why the redevelopers have reduced the density in the Plan. What is going on behind that non-transparent screen?
The OGHOA needs to convince the town that they are with the citizens in opposing the NERP. The HOA should put down the fiddles, stop wasting time with memory loss, and get busy on the important OG issues that concern all of us. Have they forgotten their mission?
HOA mission: “The mission of the OGHOA is to protect and enhance property values and the quality of life in Ocean Grove.”
If we are to include memories in the OG conversation, then the HOA needs to try to remember that we are a town on the National Historic Register and we have a Master Plan which emphasizes that history. Developers tend to forget that. They have other priorities. The HOA should not be enablers for local developers with memory loss.
Note: At the August HOA meeting they will be presenting wassailing lessons with the Canadian Brass. Listen below:
Homeowners actually had meetings with OGCMA members very early on, as that of Friday evening, 5 August 1879.
“The lot holders’ meeting on Friday evening on the lawn of Sanders Cottage [Wesley Lake front], was a large and important gathering.
Several members of the Association were present. Mr. Ballard, Vice Pres, gave some information.
The course of his statements, which interested and surprised the meeting, setting forth the difficulties which marked the history of the enterprise and the patient industry of those in charge to secure to lease-holders an indisputable title to their property. ”
Michael Badger currently attends most Homeowner’s meetings and provides CMA updates. He is open to feedback. I look forward to his detailed explanations concerning items of interest in Ocean Grove. He is candid and does not shy away from controversy.
I have always felt that the Home Owners were too much hand-maidens to the CMA. They never “pressed” for a representative of the CMA at their monthly meetings —to hear and pick up resident concerns…and to explain their position or lack of position on an issue.