Ocean Grove, New Jersey. “Heritage”. Photo by Paul Goldfinger

By Paul Goldfinger (Editor  @Blogfinger) minor edits since 2010.

TUESDAY——Upon reading Charles Layton’s account of yesterday’s Neptune Township Committee meeting, a disturbing word appeared— “referendum”–  in regard to the idea of parking meters in Ocean Grove. It was disturbing, not only because it smelled like a political tactic to use against the wishes of Ocean Grovers, but also because the idea violates the spirit of how Ocean Grove has been treated by Neptune Township in the past.  It wanted a Neptune-wide vote; not just for Grovers.

Traditionally there has existed a very unique historical relationship between the Grove and the Township, where Grovers have been allowed to make their own decisions on matters that affect the town’s character, as occurs with the Historic Preservation process today and with the Camp Meeting governance in the past..

Over the years, the deference to Ocean Grovers by Neptune has been a sort of gentlemen’s agreement except, of course, when the law prevails, as in 1979 with the New Jersey Constitution and the opening of the gates. But, even then, Neptune Township showed respect for the Grove and worked with the Camp Meeting Association to cause citizens of OG to be comfortable with the new situation. They even allowed two “blue laws” to remain and they did not have to do that.

Consider further the history of this special relationship. In 1879, the incorporated Ocean Grove was attached to the newly formed Neptune Township.  “By law the CMA had to pay taxes to Neptune Township, but chose not to receive any services so as to remain autonomous”*    In  a speech in 1897, Bishop Fitzgerald stated that OG paid 60% of the Neptune municipal taxes while receiving no services. (Gibbons)

Since the 19^th century, there have been many differences between the people of Ocean Grove and Neptune Township, usually over services and/or taxes, but always Ocean Grove was considered as a town within a town— entitled to special consideration regarding its own particular requirements.

In 1920, when the people of Ocean Grove petitioned the NJ legislature to become a separate borough, their wish was granted. The interesting part is that the secession from Neptune was official only after a referendum was held—-among the people of Ocean Grove; not the people of Neptune Township.

Similarly, in the 1980’s and into the 1990’s, when the shore area was in deep trouble, and  Ocean Grove was in a state of “decrepitude,” the Ocean Grove Homeowners Association took charge and, forming a sort of “shadow government,” literally took over in running the town and bringing it back from the abyss*.

They did this when Neptune Township had its own problems and could not help.  Those people were Ocean Grovers, and this is why a Neptune Township-wide referendum on meters would be an insult and should not be held.  Ocean Grove deserves to be treated special.

Traditions, history and understandings must be acknowledged.

CREDIT:

1. * Dr. Karen Schmelzkopf, Department of History and Anthropology. Monmouth University.  Author of  “Landscape, ideology, and religion: a geography of Ocean Grove, New Jersey.”   Journal of Historical Geography, 28, 4(2002) 589-608

2. History of Ocean Grove by Gibbons (1939). Published by the Ocean Grove Times