A lovely and comfortable street of condos: Wesley Grove. Asbury Park. Across the lake from OG. 11/26/23. Only one car was parked there when I visited on a Sunday morning. Photos by Paul Goldfinger. Click once to enlarge all photos.
A residential project begins across from Wesley Lake. A. Park. Paul Goldfinger photo. 11/26,23 They will have a better view of the Grove than those who move into OGNED’s messy and cluttered project at the North End of OG. Do you think that it was necessary to turn this A. Park development into a “zone in need of redevelopment?” Private builders will create something wonderful here.
By Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net. 11/26/23. Ocean Grove, NJ
Asbury Park has proven to have great vision when it comes to building condos. The ones above are historically responsive, in a non tourist neighborhood, on a street with limited parking, free of tourists, and inviting to be around. It feels open and friendly. It is across from Wesley Lake down a side street, and they have a lovely view of the Grove when they step outside.
Across the street there is a large construction site (above) beginning. It appears like the size of our monstrosity to be built at our North End. It will probably be condos, but whatever it becomes, they will enjoy a view of Wesley Lake and the Grove. And there will be no tourism there either.
Our North End project shows no sign of considering the spirit of our town. It is not about people; it is about real estate and money, and it will ruin that part of our town and negatively impact the rest of historic OG town. The people there will look at water, but our citizens want to see their neighbors.
Yes it will make tourists happy, but what about our residential community in our town of neighborhoods. What about our lifestyles?
Will our new “Asbury Park South” attract groups of kids who will be out wassailing at Christmas time?
CANADIAN BRASS:
It’s inspiring to see how Asbury Park has struck a balance between thoughtful condo development and preserving the community’s spirit. The Wesley Grove condos reflect what can be achieved when urban planning prioritizes historical responsiveness and neighborhood harmony. It’s refreshing to imagine a project that values open spaces, livability, and a sense of connection.
Ocean Grove’s North End project, on the other hand, raises valid concerns. Development should ideally integrate with the town’s character and foster a sense of community—not just cater to tourism and real estate profits. Striking this balance is essential for maintaining the identity and charm of a historic neighborhood.
Let’s continue to advocate for spaces that honor the spirit of the neighborhoods they belong to. ✨
I forgot to mention that half of Wesley Grove was never built. There is a large lot to the west filled with the ends of wooden pilings that languished for years. Soil was brought in to over the pilings and it now serves as a park.
David H. Fox
Coming from NYC, I am often surprised by the number of apartment projects built in recent years. In NYC, these would have to be of fireproof masonry construction.
In NJ, however, it seems sufficient to have a masonry ground floor with even 4 floors of wooden construction above. Only the stairwells are of concrete block. Presumably, these have fire sprinklers.
I recall one on the Hudson overlooking Manhattan that burned down once during construction, and then again after it was occupied. In older NYC buildings, apartment floors may be supported by wooden beams resting on steel structure, but hallways and stairways are masonry. Every two apartments are separated by a concrete block wall in my building. While there are no sprinklers, there are fire escapes.
The more stringent laws are the result of experience.