Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net 2/1/23. Ocean Grove, NJ. Is the cross framing emerging now near the end of the pier?   It looks that way—or not?  Click to enlarge.   Comment by sending us an email. (Blogfinger@verizon.net) or click on “comments”at the bottom of this post.

This design was published by the CMA in 2019. Blogfinger posted it.  Last year the cross shape created a controversy. (“Piergate.”)

Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net.  Feb. 1, 2023. Ocean Grove, NJ.

In the photo above, it looks like a cross shape is being framed out at the distal end of the new pier. You can also see the increased height taking shape at the end in order to prevent high storm waves from destroying the structure.

The CMA has tried to avoid the cross controversy by asserting that the shape will have  some practical functions and that it is not being implemented as a religious symbol, although  Pres. Michael Badger did say that the shape would have religious impacts for those who would look at it that way.

This is not exactly a good time for the CMA pier to be in the spotlight again given the heat the CMA  received at the Parking Pilot hearing 4 days ago. (1/28/23.)

Last summer Michael Badger was interviewed about ” Piergate”, and he said:

“We did not start out to create a cross-shaped pier to make a statement. What we wanted to do was expand access to the water, expand viewing points to look at the Atlantic Ocean and give more fishing spots than the old pier had, but as we went along, we realized it looked like a cross and that seemed pretty cool to us. We recognize the shape and we are very excited to present it to the community. We do celebrate our faith.”

A key controversy relates to whether religious symbols such as a cross shape pier should be permitted in OG public spaces. The CMA owns much of the land in the Grove and they do own the pier.  But much of their property, such as the pier and the boardwalk, function as public thoroughfares and thus should they be subject to separation of church and state limitations?

Last November we posted a piece on this subject which contains the quote above:

Piergate review. November, 2022. Blogfinger.net

Here is beautiful music entitled.  “A Prayer of St. Patrick” by John Rutter.   Blogfinger is private, so I can play it here, but can it be played on the new cross shaped pier?