The North End of OG. After 15 years, OGNED and Neptune Township have failed the requirements of this public project, and the future portends nothing good for we the people. It should be canceled now. Paul Goldfinger photograph. Blogfinger.net 12/1/22
By Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor Blogfinger.net. November 22, 2023.
Recently Blogfinger enumerated our list of issues (link below) that have been neglected by the Home Groaners and the Township who have been evaluating an “amended” North End Plan. The HOA even has two specialized committees who are looking at the situation.
BF lists neglected North End issues.
Steven Harris is a Grover who sent an interesting letter to the Editor of the Coaster in the Nov. 22 issue. It is called “Time to Rethink the North End.” Of course Blogfinger has been saying that for years.
In Harris’ letter we found some original and provocative references which have not been mentioned in the recent discussions about the OG North End.
Here is his letter to the Coastericans: 11/22/23.
” I am writing to thank the Neptune Township Committee for “tabling” the proposed settlement with OGNED that would allow the developer to bypass the required Historic Preservation Commissions’s Certificate of Appropriateness.
“Hopefully the Committee will take this time to review the settlement and vote to not approve it. The plans can then to go back to the Planning Board as the process requires.
“This pause is also an opportunity to step back and question the project’s density, and the dependence of the development on below grade parking. As we saw in the late September rain storm, some properties in the North End received up to 18 inches of water in their basements. Those of us that subscribe received text warnings from Neptune Township to move our vehicles to higher ground.
“The idea of adding a 40 room hotel, 39 condo units and 10 large homes, on a below grade parking garage, at the edge of the Ocean, and on Wesley Lake, seems short sighted and irresponsible.
“A better balance between the developer’s profits, and the profound impact this will have on Ocean Grove, must be sought.”
Steven Harris
Ocean Grove
BLOGINGER SAYS: Mr. Harris: Your letter is a breath of unpolluted air. Your way of looking at the situation brings us the chance to add some new thinking to the mix. I have italicized parts of your letter that have an impact on me. One element to note is that land use law does provide a “process” which must be followed regarding “redevelopment plans.” Has that occurred? The Township should know.
Also the issue of building at that location and that below grade elevation often surfaces when the public considers the plan but is not mentioned by those in charge. And then there is the issue of who will profit? We have asked for and never received a list of all investors in OGNED.
Thank you. Next time please share with Blogfinger.
Harry Nilsson: From Midnight Cowboy.