Photo by Paul Goldfinger. Allenhurst, NJ The “Power Station” (former JCP&L property) seen above is at the east side of the Allenhurst downtown revitalization project which has just begun. But this mess should quickly turn into a magnificent change for the Borough of Allenhurst which does need a makeover. Note that this popular project is near downtown, the ocean, and the train station.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor Blogfinger.net. Originally posted 11/19/25. Ocean Grove NJ, USA. Now revised 3/21/2026.
By Paul Goldfinger, Editor, Blogfinger.net
Allenhurst is a small wealthy borough with a large downtown building lot and new ambitious plans which have just begun revitalization. This massive property used to be part of a JCP&L facility and is now referred to by the developers as “The Power Station.”
The project will have several phases. Large expensive condos will have private garages. And there will be commercial and shopping facilities as well as low income housing. The design will pay tribute to this quaint town’s history and character. Most everyone in town is supportive. The downtown which could use an upgrade will become an admirable location for businesses and restaurants.
Allenhurst will become a sought after location as more visitors are sizing up this Jersey Shore area as a desirable residential and business investment site. The “Power Station” project will do very well.
They began construction a few months ago, and the photo above shows how it looks today (11/19/25).in the east part of the development area.
One developer prevails now, but some private builders are being allowed in. That’s better than what OG has gone through with its North End Redevelopment Plan.
This project is part of a larger plan including rebuilding the train station and town parks. The developers are well aware of the project’s proximity to the Ocean. It sounds like a wonderful concept. It should be finished in a few years.
And there will be some low income housing as required by the State of New Jersey.
And unlike our Ocean Grove North End fiasco, all Allenhurst parties involved are focused on what’s best for the town, and the word “redevelopment” is missing.
But there are a variety of issues which are currently surfacing causing troublesome “tensions” in Allenhurst, and Coaster reporters have their sensors turned to “on.” These concerns involve Beach Club fees, concerns about overdevelopment, concerns about compromises regarding the town’s history and traditions, and issues about State housing mandates. And there may be more to be revealed. For example, citizens demanded a public meeting with elected officials, and the meeting was held outdoors during freezing weather. Talk about a “cold shoulder!”
And here is a quote from the latest Coaster :
“Peggy Marquezi, a lifelong Monmouth County resident, expressed concern about the broader changes: ‘It feels to me like the current government doesn’t really care about the heart of this town..Every plan that’s being implemented is strategically designed to wipe out all the remnants of the town’s history and integrity,”
And another Coaster quote; about recent town meeting: “The gathering reflected a town torn between nostalgia and progress. “
Ocean Grove continues its unfocused ways as its residents gaze awkwardly into the future.
In fact, other new beautiful projects in our part of the Jersey Shore such as Ft. Monmouth, Colt’s Neck, Long Branch, Bradley Beach, Asbury Park, Red Bank and Monmouth Mall are moving ahead optimistically without the need for “Redevelopment designations” such as were approved by Neptune for Ocean Grove 17 years ago, and that project at our North End is still stuck in the mud, and most Grovers dislike the idea. It will suck the life out of our small historic town and we will be left behind floundering as the rest of the Jersey Shore in this area becomes more distinguished.
I’m beginning to think that OG would have been better off without the “historic” designations which hold us back now. We also have the Camp Meeting Association, The Chamber of Commercials, developers from inside and outside the town, and the Neptune Comedy weighing in to influence how the Grove evolves. Look what they have done at the North End.
So, keep an eye on Allenhurst and Asbury Park as they evolve by comparison into the future.
BOB DYLAN: