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Archive for the ‘Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration’ Category

Modern OG history—-7/4/14. Faces in the boardwalk crowd—-the first to walk the new boards.

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove events, Photograph by Paul Goldfinger, Photographic Gallery: Ocean Grove, tagged , on January 6, 2025| 1 Comment »

Steppin' out on the new Ocean Grove boardwalk. Photos by Paul Goldfinger @Blogfinger. Click on images to enlarge.

Steppin’ out on the new Ocean Grove boardwalk. Photos by Paul Goldfinger Blogfinger. net.     Click once on images to enlarge.  7/4/14.

By Paul Goldfinger, MD,  Editor @Blogfinger.net

 

Once the ribbon was cut, the public was allowed onto the new boardwalk. Most were milling about watching Gov. Chris Christie mingle with the crowd.  A few set out to be the first to walk the boards.

 

We met two people who were standing on the Trex, not wondering at all what material had been used under foot.

 

Nina Koridek (L), Danielle Kimelstein, Cooper Pickren Photos by Paul Goldfinger @Blogfinger ©

Nina Koridek (L), Danielle Kimelstein, Cooper Pickren.    Photos by Paul Goldfinger  Blogfinger

Nina Koridek is a “summer resident” from Stirling, New Jersey. Her family has been coming to Ocean Grove for seven generations. She was watching the governor carefully because she is “a fan.”   Nina was carrying an American flag and wearing a broad rim hat in fashionable black. She said that she wasn’t confident that FEMA would help the Grove, but now she and her family were happy to be on the new boardwalk for this ceremony.

She and her son Cooper Pickren reached Governor Christie and posed for a photo with him.   Cooper, a law student, got to talk a little politics with the Gov.

Then they were ready to pose for a Blogfinger photo on the new boards.

 

Patience M. Osborn Chalmers from Spring Lake. ©

Patience M. Osborn Chalmers from Spring Lake. ©

 

Patience M. Osborn Chalmers is from Spring Lake, but she loves to ride her 10 speed Schwinn into Ocean Grove and sometimes beyond to Pier Village. She confessed that she would like to ride her bike on the OG boardwalk during the day, and if a policeman stopped her, she would say, “But officer, isn’t it 3:00 am?”

Patience’s family has been in the area for numerous generations going back to around the Mayflower. (My family goes back to the Staten Island Ferry.)    She likes to volunteer with the OG Ladies Auxiliary, and her current project is to help with their book sale which will occur on the weekend of July 10. I asked her how she liked the new boardwalk, and she exclaimed, “It’s fantastic.” She said that now all the elements of our shore area boardwalks have come together, and she is thrilled to be at our opening.

NAT KING COLE:

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Modern OG history—2014. “This is not the Camp Meeting’s boardwalk; this is the Jersey Shore’s boardwalk.”   Dr. Dale Whilden at the ribbon cutting for the new Middle Beach Boardwalk.

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove events, Ocean Grove in the news, Photographic Gallery: Ocean Grove, Photographs by Blogfinger, Photography by Paul Goldfinger, tagged , on October 14, 2023| 2 Comments »

Large crowd awaits the Governor of New Jersey: Chris Christie

Large crowd awaits the Governor of New Jersey: Chris Christie.  All photos by Paul Goldfinger @Blogfinger  ©  Click on all images to enlarge.

 

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger. July 3, 2014

Despite concerns about the weather, it was a sunny breezy festive day for the late morning cutting-the-ribbon ceremony on the boardwalk in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.

A large and happy crowd assembled in front of a raised platform for the speakers and along Ocean Avenue. A band played, lead by Harry Eichhorn, and free ice cream sandwiches were being distributed.

Crowd along Ocean Avenue. ©

Crowd along Ocean Avenue.  All  photos by Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net

 

The media was out in full force with reporters, videographers and photographers along with trucks from Fox News TV and WABC TV.

The Governor arrived in a black SUV, right on time. He wore chinos and a red Rutgers shirt.   He walked briskly, right up to the platform.

Gov. Christie arrives at the Ocean Grove beachfront and walks the new boardwalk. Cheers and applause. ©

Gov. Christie arrives with his entourage  at the Ocean Grove beachfront and walks onto the new boardwalk. Cheers and applause.

 

Dale Whilden, COO of the Camp Meeting Association, was the MC and he gave the first speech. He thanked just about everyone who helped get us from Sandy until now including over 1,000 volunteers.

He said that our boardwalk is the “Jersey Shore’s boardwalk.”   As he introduced Governor Chris Christie, he said the Governor was “the backbone” of the effort to turn FEMA around.

 

Dale Whilden (L to R), Sen Jennifer Beck, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande,Rep Chris Smith, Mayor Michael Brantley ©

CMA President Dale Whilden (L to R), Sen Jennifer Beck, Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, Rep. Chris Smith, and Mayor Michael Brantley  taking the new boards for a test drive and bragging about the FEMA victory.

 

 

 

Congressman Chris Smith ©

Congressman Chris Smith.

 

 

Ribbon cutting (really). ©

Ribbon cutting (really).

 

Here are some selected quotes from the event:

1. Governor Christie: “The Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration was the last one and the hardest one.”

“Rep. Chris Smith was relentless in getting FEMA to change its mind, and we couldn’t get it done without him.”

” State Sen. Jennifer Beck was constantly calling me and my office to push to solve Ocean Grove ‘s dilemma. I’m glad to have her as a partner”

“It took the most jumping up and down and the most yelling and screaming and that’s what they brought me in for.”

“A lot of folks still need help. It will take years to fully recover.”

 

2. Rep Chris Smith, “The denials by FEMA were unyielding at first. But FEMA had it wrong.”

“Support at all levels of government were essential—it was teamwork. But the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association’s leaders worked so hard to explain its position and they made the critical difference.”

3. State Senator Jennifer Beck came to the microphone with a big smile and exclaimed, “How beautiful is this boardwalk!!”   And the crowd roared its approval.

Sen Beck gave high marks to the Governor and to Marc Ferzan from the Governor’s office of recovery and rebuilding.

 

4. Mayor Michael Brantley thanked his staffers from Neptune Township who worked hard on the Ocean Grove boardwalk.

 

Gov. wades into crowd and poses with kids. ©

Gov. wades into crowd and poses with kids.

After the ribbon cutting, which was a photo op lasting a few seconds, the Governor delighted the folks by wading into the friendly crowd: taking selfies, giving hugs, greeting babies, talking issues and posing for photos. He stayed for about 30 minutes before getting back into his vehicle.

 

Gov. poses for another photo. He's really good at mingling with the folks.---making up for lost time. ©

Gov. poses for another photo. He’s really good at mingling with the folks.—making up for lost time.

 

All in all, it was a wonderful event–unusual for our town in that a large crowd assembled to join together and be happy for Ocean Grove  which had seemingly been ignored by FEMA but now was ready again for its favorite time of year.

 

THE BEACH BOYS:

 

 

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OG modern history: Surprise!   FEMA denies funding for the fishing pier. OGCMA is “disappointed.” May 2014

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Hurricane Sandy funding in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy in Ocean Grove, Hurricane Sandy recovery, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, tagged , , on March 12, 2023| 13 Comments »

 

Ocean Grove Fishing Pier, November 1, 2013. Paul Goldfinger photo.©

Ocean Grove Fishing Pier, November 1, 2013. Paul Goldfinger photo.  Click to enlarge

 

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.net      5/21/2014.

 

Just when the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) thought that everything was going right, the local FEMA project office notified the CMA that the fishing pier was ruled ineligible for FEMA public assistance because it is entirely recreational (unlike the boardwalk) and it falls under the rules for nonprofit entities.  This notification was received on May 16,  2014.

 

At a meeting tonight with the Community Leaders Group, COO J.P. Gradone announced this disturbing news. He said, “It shocked and disappointed us.”

 

“However,” he said, “We have a positive working relationship with FEMA and we will appeal.” Once again, the Governor’s office will supply consultants to help the CMA navigate these suddenly stormy waters.  He also said, “We plan to pursue available assistance through other federal, state and charitable resources to complement potential FEMA funding.”

 

The CMA had attended several recent meetings with the local FEMA office regarding the three-phased project (1= middle beach; 2=North End; and 3=fishing pier,) and at those meetings the CMA received verbal commitments for all 3 phases. Mr. Gradone said, “There was no indication that there would be anything but total project approval for the 3 phases.”

 

However, in March, during the process of expediting the middle beach phase, the fishing pier phase 3 was removed from the project plan.   At first this just seemed like routine paper work, but it actually was the beginning of a broken promise. Unfortunately , none of the written communications from FEMA ever formally mentioned the fishing pier. The estimated cost of the fishing pier is $1.1 million.  

 

Attending the meeting this evening, besides the Community Leaders Group and  J.P. Gradone, were CMA President Dale Whilden and CMA official Bill Bailey.

 

The appeal process provides for 60 days to file an appeal to regional FEMA. The appeal will be similar to that for the boardwalk–to try to persuade them that the pier is more than just recreational. Meanwhile, the CMA has continued to place discussions about the private Fishing Club on hold.

 

Regarding the current status of funding for the boardwalk project (middle beach and North End), the $2.3 million has been allocated by Congress.  This is about 90% of the total needed for the Boardwalk. The rest will be provided with funds that were raised through the Ocean Grove Together Fund.

 

Neptune Township has issued a bond for $1.4 million to get things going at the Middle Beach, and it will be reimbursed by the CMA once the actual payment arrives from FEMA. COO Gradone said, “It’s a very complicated process, and we will work with the State while maintaining a positive attitude.”

 

Regarding the Together Fund’s $1.6 million, that will be used to pay towards the balance on the boardwalk, the Great Auditorium roof work (which will begin soon), and for a restoration of the Thornley Chapel. A full accounting of all these financial aspects will be presented at the Town Meeting on June 21.

 

Editor’s note;    3/12/23.    At Blogfinger, after Sandy, we were critical of Governor Christy for not visiting the Grove.  But it turns out that the Governor’s “people” were instrumental in getting FEMA to reverse its initial decision.  And the Governor came to the dedication ceremony.

The CMA was disappointed about the reversal regarding the pier and they could have tried another appeal, but the decision was made that another appeal may ruffle too many federal feathers.

And now (March 12, 2023)  9 years later, we see the pier about to be completed.

When the pier in the shape of a cross discussion kicked in a few years ago, some supporters said that no one could see the cross unless they were in an airplane, and it looks like they were right. It remains to be seen how the Camp Meeting will utilize the pier. Will there be fishing, and what will the rules be?   And will there be religious events there?

 

THE PEARLFISHERS.   “Is It Any Wonder?”    Album Across the Milky Way.

 

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Slippery when wet—Trex

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove boardwalk, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, tagged on September 8, 2020| 1 Comment »

9/8/20. 8:30 am. OG boards. Paul Goldfinger photo. Notice the wet Trex boards with puddles.   Click to enlarge.

I went onto the boards at 8:30.  Everything was dry all around except for the boards which were diffusely wet with mild puddles   (see photo,)  and the entire surface was slippery.  The cyclist above was clinging to the edge.

The boards are made with Trex, a composite product.  Trex is made with plastic and wood, and it is not supposed to be slippery even when wet.   But  wet and slippery have been reported. Slippery is more likely if the patterned surface is installed on the bottom.

After about 45 minutes, the wet had pretty much dried, but during the wet and slippery phase I thought that a walker, runner or biker stood a risk of falling. I walked carefully.

I could not figure out how it got wet in the first place, and it definitely was slippery.  There had been no rain.

Here is a link to a post on BF about the use of Trex in Ocean Grove.

Trex in OG

LENNY WELCH:   “Since I Fell For You.”

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Composite boards chosen for boardwalk surface, and the reasons are compelling.

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, tagged , on June 5, 2018| 12 Comments »

Re-posted from 2014. OG Boardwalk.

New Trex boards being installed at the Ocean Grove Middle Boardwalk project. June 10, 2014. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

New Trex boards being installed at the Ocean Grove Middle Boardwalk project. June 10, 2014. Paul Goldfinger photo ©

 

Close-up of Trex boards in the noon sun. They look like wood and they are not dark in color. The color varies with the light. Blogfinger photo ©

Close-up of Trex boards in the noon sun. They look like wood and they are not dark in color. The color varies with the light. Blogfinger photo © June 13, 2014.

 

A length of boardwalk under the noon sun. You can get an idea of color and brightness. Blogfinger photo June 13, near Main Ave.

A length of boardwalk under the noon sun. You can get an idea of color and brightness. Blogfinger photo June 13, 2014, near Main Ave.

 

 

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

In March, 2013, the rebuilding of the South End Boardwalk in Ocean Grove, New Jersey began. Blogfinger covered that story, and our article said,  “The final surface  (that we walk on) will be placed last, and a composite material will be used instead of wood.  This splinterless approach may upset some purists, but it is the most practical for safety, endurance and strength.”   So for those who are complaining now, they were not paying attention before.  This is old news.

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association decided early after Sandy  to use Trex, the world’s leader in wood alternative materials. The Trex boards are made of 95% recyclable materials. They use plastic bags, sawdust and wood scraps. No trees are cut down for this industry which has been in existence since 1996.  It is a “green decision” to use this product.

The CMA chose a color that looks like wood, and after one year, that sample stretch of boardwalk at the South End has not warped, and not a single complaint was received by the CMA regarding this choice of materials. On the contrary, JP Gradone, COO of the CMA told us today that they have received many complements regarding the appearance (“sharp and clean”) of that area over by the beach badge office, near the fishing pier.

But Ocean Grove is not alone in this choice of planking.   Among the post-Sandy boardwalk reconstructions which have used Trex are Belmar, Sea Girt, Pt. Pleasant and  Atlantic Beach, NY.

Spring Lake also used a composite, but one made by TimberTech.   Only Asbury Park did their boards in wood. Bradley Beach did theirs with masonry pavers.

We spoke to Mr. Gradone today regarding the decision to use Trex, and he was enthused about the choice.  “Trex has a 25 year warranty, whereas wood boardwalks only last 7-10 years.” The composites, he said, don’t warp, rot, crack, splinter, fade or shrink.  Shrinking of wood causes screws to “pop.”  Trex resists staining, he said, and they are less slippery when wet.  No staining, sanding or other maintenance is needed.

Note that the infrastructure  beneath the Trex boards was constructed for strength with treated wood piles and beams using steel screws, bolts and brackets in addition to the preexisting bulkheads.

PAUL SIMON   from Songs From the Capeman:   “Quality.”

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Progress at the North End Boardwalk

Posted in Around the Grove with Jean Bredin, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Photographic Gallery: Ocean Grove, Photographs by Jean Bredin, tagged on January 31, 2018|

Debris was being loaded into a dump truck this morning. Jean Bredin photo Blogfinger staff. © Jan 31, 2018.

 

PAOLO NUTINI AND THE PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND

 

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North End Boardwalk cost over-runs

Posted in North End Redevelopment, Ocean Grove boardwalk, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association Activity, Ocean Grove North End Redevelopment Plan, tagged on April 9, 2016| 9 Comments »

This is the boardwalk in August, 2015 in front of the White Whale. No one knew that the piles and sand underneath would be unable to support the new boardwalk. Blogfinger photo. ©

This is the boardwalk in August, 2015 in front of the White Whale. No one knew that the piles and sand underneath would be unable to support the new boardwalk. Blogfinger photo. ©

The original cost of the North End boardwalk reconstruction was to be $622,739.00 to Bird Construction.  On March 14, the Township committee adopted a resolution  (change order #1)  which authorized an additional $72,942.58. Note that this project was supposed to be completed in March.

The problem is that flood waters from Sandy ran under the White Whale and washed out the sand and damaged the concrete piers which were supposed to support the new North End boardwalk under the asphalt at that northern location.

So now new piles are needed, and a new increase in cost ($55,000 for change order#2) brings the total cost up to $811,534.20.  Some of that funding is being provided by the CMA.  The latter change will be voted on at the April 11 Committee meeting

We thank Citizen Reporter R. S. for contributing to this report.

–Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.

 

DORIS DAY and DANNY THOMAS:

 

 

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North End boardwalk progress ? BF Photo News Dept.

Posted in Blogfinger photo news, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, tagged , on April 3, 2016| 4 Comments »

North End boardwalk project as seen on April 3, 2016. Why so slow? © Moe De Click to enlarge. by Blogfinger staff photo. ©

North End boardwalk project as seen on April 3, 2016. Why so slow? © Moe Demby photo; Moe and Chico have been  busy boys.  Blogfinger staff.   Click to enlarge. by Blogfinger staff photo. ©

Chico is an investigative reporter with a nose for the news. Moe Demby photo. 4/3/16 BF Photo News ©

Chico is an investigative reporter with a nose for the news. Moe Demby photo. 4/3/16 BF Photo News ©

Soon we can square dance on that boardwalk.  Here is the “Arkansas Traveller.”

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The North End Pavilion building: a white whale or a dead duck? Rotten supports are found underneath.

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove North End Redevelopment Plan, Photographs by Jean Bredin, tagged , on March 8, 2016| 14 Comments »

Rotten supports under the Great White Whale. March 7, 2016. Jean Bredin photo Blogfinger staff ©

Rotten supports under the Great White Whale. March 7, 2016. Jean Bredin photo Blogfinger staff ©

 

 

Blogfinger special report.  March 7, 2016. By Paul Goldfinger, Editor  and Jack Bredin, researcher @Blogfinger.

The big white building on the beach at the North End is called the Pavilion by some and the Homestead Building by others.

We call it the Great White Whale.  This past summer Randy Bishop announced that the building would contain 4 stories in the future including condominiums, an auditorium and a banquet hall.  Later he disavowed that announcement.

There have been concerns about that building in terms of whether such a usage would be legal.  Construction on New Jersey beaches is under the watchful eyes of the State DEP, and only recreational uses are allowed.

You may recall that the back of the restaurant collapsed after Sandy, and some wondered about the adequacy of the re-built portion.  New construction standards have been developed for shore buildings post Sandy.  FEMA is paying for the current North End boardwalk project, but no one that we know has seen the plans as submitted to FEMA.

The new North End Boardwalk was supposed to be widened to 35 feet in front of the Whale during the boardwalk reconstruction going on now. You will recall that macadam had been used temporarily and that wood rather than Trex is planned for some portions of the North End boardwalk because of NERP uncertainties at this time.

Recently we reported that work had stopped at the North End boardwalk.. We don’t know what happened since then, but today we are informed that work has stopped again because the underlying supports under that building are rotted, and the integrity of the building is in question.

Engineers have to evaluate the situation, but so far there are no public announcements and no details.   This condition has already raised serious concerns about the future of the Great White Whale. The State will undoubtedly be looking at this, and probably also FEMA.  Who is responsible for this sloppy mess?

 

LINKS TO PRIOR POSTS ABOUT THE WHALE.

Short shorts from the North End Redevelopment Zone: Boardwalk work to begin soon, but…….

The tale of the great white whale on the OG Boardwalk….. (2015 BF post)

DEL McCOURY with the PRESERVATION HALL JAZZ BAND  “Careless Love.”

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Fudge and sub sandwiches at the North End boardwalk.

Posted in Ocean Grove boardwalk, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, tagged on March 6, 2016| 15 Comments »

Fudge on the boardwalk. By Mike Kalish. Special to Blogfinger. ©

Fudge on the boardwalk. Mike (l) and Frank Glaser.  Photo by Mike Kalish. Special to Blogfinger. ©

 

Hi Paul,

My wife and I spent the day walking the boards yesterday. Had a conversation with Frank Glaser and his son Mike in front of the north end building. Frank is a retired accountant who always had a passion for making fudge. As soon as the boardwalk work is done he’ll be opening a fudge shop “OH FUDGE”. All made on site with fresh ingredients.

He’s hiring the Grover guy who we see playing keyboard with the calliope sound for tips in the Casino building to play in front of his store this summer.

His son Mike will sell sub sandwiches to go.

Mike

ROY ORBISON:

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Slow going at the North End boardwalk. Anyone know why?

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove beachfront, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove lifestyle, tagged on February 22, 2016| 2 Comments »

Feb. 22, 2016. No one working on a Monday morning. Blogfinger photograph. ©

What construction?    Feb. 22, 2016. No one working on a Monday morning. North End boardwalk project.  Blogfinger photograph. ©  Click to make the driven piles bigger.

BETTE MIDLER  from her album   “It’s the Girls.”

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Work begins on the North End boardwalk. Does it evoke happy thoughts and happy talks?

Posted in Blogfinger Presents, Ocean Grove beachfront, Ocean Grove boardwalk, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove historical preservation, tagged on January 15, 2016|

Ocean Grove boardwalk being ripped up at the North End. Paul Goldfinger photo © Jan. 15, 2016. Blogfinger.net

Ocean Grove boardwalk being ripped up at the North End. Paul Goldfinger photo © Jan. 15, 2016. Blogfinger.net   Click to make the scene bigger.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger.

Ripping up history is the antithesis of archaeology, but here is a destructive endeavor for a good cause.  Here is a happy sight, but perhaps with some nostalgia as well. It is an ambivalent sight of those old boards being ripped out after Sandy did her evil deed in October, 2012.  Maybe someone will reclaim those boards and make a trendy addition to a house in the Hamptons.  Asphalt will also be chopped up.

How many of you have walked on that North End boardwalk and have happy memories of it?  How many of you have sat on that nearby beach writing love letters in the sand while gazing up at the families and children and visitors biking, strolling, socializing or jogging by?

But in the end we will have a new Trex boardwalk there, except for the most northern part where cheap wood will be placed in anticipation of the implementation of the North End Redevelopment Plan; that planned monstrosity which  will crowd out some of the happiness over there.

However when the work on the boards is over in two months, things will pretty much be the same.

LEON REDBONE

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Short shorts from the North End Redevelopment Zone: Boardwalk work to begin soon, but…….

Posted in Blogfinger reports, North End Redevelopment, Ocean Grove boardwalk, Ocean Grove boardwalk restoration, Ocean Grove in the news, Ocean Grove North End Redevelopment Plan, tagged , on August 28, 2015| 15 Comments »

The boundary line between OG and Asbury is in front of that bench. Blogfinger photo. 8/25/15

The boundary line between OG and Asbury is between those two benches (see below). Blogfinger photo. 8/25/15 ©

This is where the new boardwalk will be 35 feet wide in front of the White Whale. 8/25/15. Blogfinger.net photos.

This is where the new boardwalk will be 35 feet wide in front of the White Whale. 8/25/15. Blogfinger.net photos.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

August 25, 2015.     GOOD NEWS posted today by J.P. Gradone, COO of the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association:

“I am pleased to announce that FEMA and NJDEP have approved our expansion of the North End boardwalk from 20’ wide to 30’ wide, and the expansion of the area in front of the Homestead building from 20’ to 35’. 

“As of last night, Neptune Township awarded the bid to Epic Management, Inc., which is the same company that installed the Middle Boardwalk last spring.  We plan to begin construction in early Fall with completion before the holidays.”

BLOGFINGER COMMENTARY:

FINE PRINT:

  1. There are three North End boardwalk plans: the one sent to FEMA, the one described in the 2008 NERP, and the one voted on last night, but there are differences between the NERP and last night’s plan in terms of width, elevations and easements.
  1. The Mayor (Mary Beth Jahn) and the Township Engineer (Leanne Hoffman) did not attend last night’s Committee meeting to explain why the approved plan is different from the official Committee plan (i.e. the North End Redevelopment Plan of 2008.) They should be identical.
  1. No one at the meeting last night including Blogfinger has ever seen the actual boardwalk plan which was submitted to FEMA by the CMA. The engineer who designed the FEMA boardwalk plan, Peter Avakian, was not present. He is the same engineer who designed the 2008 NERP, and his company designed the plan which was voted on last night.   He should have been at the meeting to answer technical questions. No one at the meeting showed diagrams of the plan to those in attendance or explained the technical details or handed out copies.    FEMA requires that any plan which they approve is followed assiduously by the Redeveloper. By the way, there is no official Redeveloper yet and no Redevelopers Agreement yet. Boardwalk work can begin under the supervision of the Committee.
  1. At last night’s meeting, Committeeman Randy Bishop said “The new boardwalk will have a bulkhead that will protect it from future storms.” But he gave no details.

TECHNICAL POINTS:

  1. The old boardwalk which is 30 feet wide north of the Pavilion will be patched, not replaced.
  1.  The section of the new “North End Boardwalk” that will be within the “Area in need of Redevelopment” and is now under the authority of the Township will begin at Sea View Avenue and go north to the Asbury Park boundary line which is about 45 feet north of the White Whale.
Boundary between OG and AP. Look carefully at the arrow. Blogfinger photo © 8/25/15.

Boundary line between OG and AP. Look carefully at the arrow where it says OG. Blogfinger photo © 8/25/15.  No one knows what the rest of the boardwalk (i.e. Asbury property) will look like as it extends to the Casino.

  1. Originally, the North End boardwalk was 60 feet wide in this section when the commercial area was built in 1910. The NERP calls for a 60 foot boardwalk, but we are going to get 30 feet now on the OG side, except as noted by Mr. Gradone.
  1. Easements will have to be revealed because there will be pipes under the boardwalk for electric, water, gas,etc to reach the White Whale or its replacement, and access easements on top must be revealed for future garbage pickup, deliveries, trucks, etc. Elevations are important to be disclosed because there are new 100 year federal flood recommendations after Sandy. The new boardwalk must align with all adjacent elements.
  1. Note that Wesley Lake goes under that north end boardwalk, so we suggest that the Wesley Lake Commission be part of these discussions.

SPECULATION: (Blogfinger is making some educated guesses:)

  1. No underground garage will be built. Instead they will build an above-ground garage–at least two stories high.
  1. These new boardwalk specs might not work when the final North End plans appear, and the $600,000 FEMA North End boardwalk might have to be torn up.
  1. Perhaps the single family homes will get lost in the condo shuffle.
  1. The CMA will be removed as a redeveloper, leaving WAVE as the only one. WAVE will hire a developer to do the actual construction. When the identities of all WAVE investors who own over 10% are revealed, some CMA trustees will be on the list.

Credit: Jack Bredin of Ocean Grove, researcher.

THE FLAMINGOS:       We only have eyes on who?

“I don’t know if we’re in a garden or on a crowded avenue.”

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