One reason the Casino is so beloved is that it has been so much fun enjoying the wacky people heading in both directions. Paul Goldfinger photographs the NJ Marathon. Blogfinger.net
By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor, Blogfinger.net, Ocean Grove, NJ, USA.
The media has gotten hold of the turmoil regarding the survival of the Casino which has been on the verge of being demolished by the Asbury Park oceanfront owners: Madison Marquette. The recent fury has been energized by all sorts of opinions, but especially by a group of Parkers who oppose the proposed demolition, and they have enlisted all sorts of support to save the structure including State level politicians, public opinion, A. Park politicians, lawyers, and media interest including the Coaster, APP, NJ.com, Tri-City News and other Jersey sources. After all, at the Jersey Shore it’s who you know, not what you know.
Ocean Grove voices have hardly been heard because the Casino is in A. Park. But so many Grovers have enjoyed the Casino over the years that many in town hope that the structure be saved and repaired. For the Grove, it has been an enjoyable historic location providing a way to get from one town to the other via the boardwalks, and there are two different worlds as we could go from south to north and visa versa, and that is unique. And there’s something be said for nostalgia.
And Ocean Grove will be impacted depending on what occurs over there along with the North End Redevelopment Plan. Do you remember a couple of years ago when the Asburians were talking about a 5,000 seat rock and roll venue on the other side of the Casino? What happens to this area of real estate has the potential to change our small piece of the Jersey Shore.
At this point, there is considerable confusion about this subject. Just look at the word salad which propels the talk about the Casino. Consider the Casino vocabulary: Waterfront Redevelopment Plan, “property abandonment, “demolition permit”, NJ DEP, Madison Maquette changing directions, CAFRA, State Senate, State Assembly, 2004 Restoration Report, 2002 OG Redevelopment plan, “stalled restoration,” “abandonment,” politicians, lawyers, “owners failure to maintain,” “default,” “structural assessment by licensed engineers,” “public outcry” roof issues, many millions of dollars, “historic landmark,” There has also been some confusion as to the correct name for the “Breezeway, the “Casino,” or is it the “Grand Concourse.”
Ocean Grove has barely been mentioned by any of the Casino talking heads. Maybe the Neptune Committee, which has been silent on this, is afraid that somehow this might cost us some money even though the Casino has impacted the Grovarian quality of life and who we are.
It is interesting to point out that the Casino has allowed walkers to experience two different worlds and life-styles:
This is historic Ocean Grove, totally different from the Asburian world. But the connection of the two villages is a really wonderful experience in either direction, so those of us who live in the Grove ought to keep an eye on the Casino situation.
A young Grover family returns from AP to OG via the Casino. The differences on the two sides are sudden and remarkable. Paul Goldfinger photo. 2016.
And finally, the owners might begin work there, sooner than we might imagine.
“The Heather on the Hill” from Brigadoon.
Note that Coaster reporter Michelle Gladden has a fine front page article about this subject on 3/12, but the Casino vocabulary mishmash could use some clarification by a journalist like her.
A topic like this has the potential to attract interest from all over. During the last 7 days, Blogfinger has had over 1,700 “hits” among which are visitors from 30 countries, and we have the list. That is why I add “USA” to our sign-offs on Blogfinger.