11/14/23
I sent this email to all the Neptune Committee members yesterday. Thought I’d also send it to Blogfinger.
I am a member of the Historic Preservation Commission and I am stating my views on the proposed new ordinances that are being voted on this Monday.
I feel this is creating a double standard: A connected developer with aggressive lawyers is getting a pass, while ordinary homeowners do not.
My main concern is the roof party decks on both the hotel and one of the condo buildings. These will have elevator towers, lighting, nighttime activities…no Victorian buildings in OG have roof top party decks, but I assume every Airbnb in town will be asking for them and will point to this project as a reason why they should be allowed; pretty much like they point to the party/pool/bank house on Ocean Avenue whenever they want an exception to a rule.
As a member of the Commission I strongly feel that this is wrong and I don’t think I can ethically ask home owners in Ocean Grove to abide by the rules at additional costs to them, while a developer makes profits while not following the same rules. If anything, developers should be held to a higher standard.
Thank you for your time!
I hope you make the right decision!
Doug Mac Morris
15 New York Avenu.
If Neptune’s zoning / planning board/ board of adjustment/ HPC/ and planner followed what is called the “zoning schedule,” all would see that the zoning only permits two and a half stories in Ocean Grove.
A half story by law is a non livable space, and therefore decks are not permitted above two stories.
State and Federal law prohibits discrimination in zoning practices and this is why the “hotel overlay zone” of the first two blocks is illegal because it permits heights and uses and density greater than on the very same lots throughout the rest of OG.
This overlay zone was created in violation of law to permit the Township to allow illegally the “Area in Need of Redevelopment ” on the North End to permit density, uses and heights, that if the law was followed, would never have been permitted.
This is where the trouble lies: Neptune has willfully violated Federal and State zoning laws for the benefit of a single developer while at the same time discriminating against single owners who would like the same benefits for their property.
Tom: I remember that. There were back elevated decks all over town, including in my Heck house. You were treated unfairly, especially since you and Peg were heroes in saving your historic home. Double standards should be listed as part of the Master Plan in this town. Paul
My roof top deck was denied in 2017. Maybe I can try again if this goes thru. Except i dont have support from the town to bypass HPC. 🙁